There are currently 98 active cases, 4 of the cases are hospitalized. The deaths include a female in her 90’s, a female in her 80’s, and a female in her 90’s. All three deaths were from the same nursing home facility. The total positive PCR tests for Brown County is 303.

The current totals for COVID-19 testing in Brown County are below:

2966     Tested
2627     Negative
303     Positive Cases (PCR Tests)
8     Positive Antigen/Antibody
189     Recovered
98     Active Cases
16     Deaths

PCR tests (included in total positive case count) 
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are a molecular diagnostic testing technique that detects the genetic material from the virus and can help diagnose an active COVID-19 infection. Testing samples are collected from the nasal cavity using swabs.

Antigen tests (separated and not reflected in total positive case count) 
These diagnostic tests quickly detect fragments of proteins found on or within the virus by testing samples collected from the nasal cavity using swabs. Antigen tests are very specific for the virus but are not as sensitive as molecular PCR tests. This means that positive results from antigen tests are highly accurate, but there is a higher chance of false negatives, so negative results do not rule out infection. With this in mind, negative results from an antigen test may need to be confirmed with a PCR test prior to making treatment decisions or to prevent the possible spread of the virus due to a false negative. The Brownwood/Brown County Health Department does not include Antigen testing in the total positive case count but does provide contact tracing and support services.

Antibody tests (separated and not reflected  in total positive case count) 
Antibody tests look for the presence of antibodies, which are proteins made in response to infections. Antibodies are detected in the blood of people who are tested after infection; they show the body’s efforts to fight off a specific infection.