Potential Case of Coronavirus in Lawrence
Update: Fox 4 Kansas City is reporting that the patient at Lawrence Memorial Hospital suspected of having the coronavirus tested negative for the illness. Fox 4 says, "The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported that they received the results today, Feb. 1, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
Multiple news outlets out of Kansas City are reporting that a Lawrence hospital is investigating a potential case of the deadly novel coronavirus.
KSHB.com is reporting that Lawrence Memorial Hospital and LMH Health announced they are working with local and state health agencies to investigate a possible case of this respiratory illness which was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China.
KMBC.com says the hospital received a patient Monday with symptoms of a respiratory illness who had recently traveled to Wuhan. LMH Health released a statement on their treatment of the patient, and the impact on the hospital and the community:
Procedures are underway to treat the patient while minimizing exposure. These procedures include placing the patient in isolation in a room specially designed for infection prevention. Test results won’t be available for a number of days. LMH Health will advise the public if the CDC confirms or determines this patient is not infected with the coronavirus.
Due to the safety precautions in place, the hospital will remain open to patients and the community.
“As in all cases like this, LMH Health works closely with the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department to ensure we are appropriately prepared,” said Russ Johnson, LMH Health president and CEO. “Our initial role was one of surveillance—as the outbreak became apparent, we placed health alerts throughout the hospital and clinics regarding potential exposure in an effort to increase awareness of possible symptoms among travelers from China. Now, our efforts are focused on caring for this patient as we await test results.”
Symptoms of novel coronavirus include runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat and fever. Concerned individuals should seek medical help right away, calling ahead before seeing a doctor or going to an emergency room.