(KMZA)--Nemaha County, Kansas is reporting its 5th COVID-19 related death.

Nemaha County Community Health Services, in a release Tuesday, said the individual was 65 years or older.

The agency said the county is experiencing a large amount of community spread of the virus.

As of Tuesday, the county reported 208 active cases of COVID-19, with five currently hospitalized.

The county has seen 600 positive cases to date.

The health agency said the escalated rate of cases exceeds their ability to respond timely, and are 1 to 3 days behind on contacting positive cases. The release said the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is assisting the agency by taking a limited number of their cases.

The health agency stressed the importance of wearing a mask, staying home when you are ill, good hand hygiene and avoiding large groups/gatherings.