COVID-19 warning issued for truckers who visited busy Kansas service area

Health officials in Kansas have issued a warning after several cases of COVID-19 were linked to a busy service area earlier this month.

The Shawnee County Health Department issued an alert after they reportedly identified multiple COVID-19 cases linked to the Topeka Service Area located on the I-70 Turnpike at mile marker 188.

The COVID-19 exposure is linked to the restrooms and food court at the service area.

Shawnee County Health officials are asking any person who visited the rest area between July 2, 2020, and July 4, 2020, to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms of COVID-19.

These symptoms include:

• fever of 100.4 F or higher
• chills
• rigors
• myalgia (muscle pain or aches)
• malaise
• headache
• sore throat
• lower respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing)
• new olfactory and taste disorders
• diarrhea

“It is important that the public be aware of this information in case they traveled and stopped at the Turnpike food court during their travels for the holiday weekend,” said Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, Shawnee County Health Officer. “While the risk is most likely low for infection, it is not zero, and individuals should contact their healthcare provider if they begin to exhibit any symptoms related to COVID-19.”