On Tuesday, Riley County reported its first death from COVID-19-related complications.
The man, who was in his 30s, tested positive for COVID-19 last month and had a preexisting condition. A press release from the county said the lack of travel in his history and the lack of exposure to other known positive cases likely indicates he contracted COVID-19 through community spread.
“My heart goes out to the patient’s family and friends and I extend my deepest condolences to them,” local health officer Julie Gibbs said in the press release.
He was admitted to Ascension Via Christi in April, but was transferred to a hospital in Wichita about a week ago.
At this time, there are no new cases to report. The total number of active cases in the county dropped to 12 on Monday.
