Patient screened for coronavirus at Belleville Memorial Hospital
A patient at Belleville Memorial Hospital is being tested for coronavirus.
According to BJC, which owns the hospital, the patient was referred to the Illinois Department of Public Health to be tested for the virus.
“Following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, BJC HealthCare hospitals have processes in place to screen patients for risk of coronavirus, or COVID-19,” a statement from BJC Healthcare says. “Based on medical symptoms and travel history, patients may be referred for further laboratory testing. Memorial Hospital Belleville has referred one patient to the Illinois Department of Public Health for testing and is expecting results in the next few days.”
Illinois public health officials announced plans Wednesday to prevent the spread of the virus, while local agencies focus on prevention.
Marsha Wild, a nurse with the St. Clair County Health Department, told the Belleville News-Democrat the agency is busy trying to prevent an outbreak in the area.
“Prevention efforts are generally not seen,” Wild said. “It looks like we’re not doing anything, but we’re very busy. Preventing illness is a huge effort that is so important. It can save lives.”
St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency said it is in “constant contact” with the county’s health department regarding developments and information related to the virus.
Two cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Illinois.
U.S. officials warned this week that coronavirus could become a pandemic, meaning it could infect people across multiple continents.
Symptoms of coronavirus can appear anywhere between two days to two weeks after exposure, according to the CDC, and the virus symptoms have similar traits to upper respiratory infections: fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath.
While symptoms may be mild, severe cases can sometimes include high fever and severe flu-like symptoms.
Nearly 3,000 people worldwide have died from coronavirus, but the chances of fatalities are still relatively low in the U.S. In China, where the novel virus originated, the fatality rate has been about 2.3%. By comparison, influenza is fatal to about .1% of those infected, according to the CDC.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhy we did this story
Since its outbreak in December of 2019, the novel coronavirus has been diagnosed in at least 47 countries, including several confirmed cases in Illinois. The spread will continue, according to both the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization, since vaccines are still months away. The fatality rate in China, where coronavirus was initially diagnosed, is about 2.3%. That compares to about .1% worldwide for the flu. Additionally, the unchecked spread of illness causes disruptions to employers, health care systems and the economy. We hope this information encourages vigilance by our readers so that they can keep their families and communities safe and healthy.
This story was originally published February 27, 2020 at 10:28 AM.