Washita County reports first COVID-19 related death

The District 5 county health departments, along with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, announced the first death associated with COVID-19 in Washita County on Thursday.

The patient was a man in the 65-plus age group.

“This is a sad day in our community,” said Regional Director Brandie Combs. “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family during this difficult time.”

There are 203 reported positive cases of the virus in Washita County, and 167 recoveries.

Public health officials continue to work in the county and across the state offering testing, conducting investigations, and reminding the public about the risks to older adults and those who have compromised immune systems.

"COVID is not a thing of the past, it is still very relevant and it’s in our communities. Please help protect those who can’t protect themselves," the health department said.

Those who are sick or think they have COVID-19 should self-isolate at home in a room away from others in the household, the health department said. Difficulty breathing is a serious concern and medical attention should be sought immediately, it added.

For more information about COVID-19, visit coronavirus.health.ok.gov or call 211. You can reach the Kiowa County Health Department, serving Washita County, by calling 580-726-3316.