SLIDELL, La. — An Orleans Parish resident is being treated at Slidell Memorial Hospital after testing positive for COVID-19, the potentially deadly disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
A statement from the hospital sent out Tuesday said the patient is being treated in an isolation room and all infection control and prevention protocols are being followed.
"SMH has been preparing for this situation, working closely with the Louisiana Office of Public Health, as well as other local, state and federal agencies," the statement reads. "Our staff has been completing drills and refreshing training on proper isolation protocol and personal protective equipment use. We are equipped with negative pressure rooms and supplies to take care of this patient and additional patients going forward, as well as ensuring the safety of our other patients and our team."
The Louisiana Office of Public Health confirmed that the patient had the disease Tuesday night. Like the five other coronavirus cases in Louisiana, the case is considered "presumptive positive" until it has been confirmed a second time by the Center for Disease Control.
Here is everything we know about the six patients diagnosed so far:
- One Jefferson Parish resident being treated at the VA Medical Center
- One Orleans Parish resident being treated at UMC
- One Orleans Parish resident being treated at Touro
- One Orleans Parish resident being treated at Tulane Medical Center
- One Orleans Parish residents being treated at unknown hospitals in Orleans Parish
- One Orleans Parish resident being treated at Slidell Memorial Hospital
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.
Worldwide illnesses have ranged from mild to severe, including severe pneumonia that can result in hospitalization or death.
Older people and people with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease or cancer seem to be at greater risk of serious illness.
People with recent travel to China, or have come in contact with someone who has recent travel and is ill, have a greater risk for becoming ill.
What to do if you are sick:
If you recently traveled to an area affected by COVID-19 transmission, and you feel sick, stay home and call your doctor immediately. Do not go to the doctor without calling first.
If you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call your primary care provider. If you do not have a primary care provider, call the Louisiana Department of Health hotline at 1-855-523-2652.
If you are severely ill and you think you need to go to the hospital, call 9-1-1 or go to an emergency room.
How to Prevent the Spread
The virus is thought to spread between people in close contact (within 6 feet) and through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Wash hands with soap and water often or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Especially wash hands after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Stay home if you feel sick to prevent the spread of germs.
- Cover your cough with your elbow to prevent the spread of germs.
Treatments for COVID-19
There are no medications specifically approved for COVID-19. People with coronavirus should be treated with supportive care to help relieve symptoms.
Some severe cases require going to the hospital, particularly in the elderly or those with underlying medical conditions.
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