IDPH: Fourth person tests positive for coronavirus

Posted on March 2, 2020
Right now, the virus has not been found to be spreading widely in the U.S., and the risk to the general public remains low. (Photo Pixabay)

 

By Neil Doyle

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health and Cook County Department of Public Health Monday announced that a fourth Illinois resident has tested positive for COVID-19, the coronavirus.

The positive test results will have to be confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lab. The individual is a woman in her 70s and is the spouse of the third case – a man in his 70s.  This fourth case is quarantined at home and is complying with health officials.  Both cases are reported to be in good condition.

Public health officials are working to identify and actively monitor individuals who were in contact with both patients in an effort to prevent additional transmission.  Public health officials will reach out to individuals who may have been exposed.

Gov. JB Pritzker has requested that hospitals across the state implement additional testing to improve surveillance for COVID-19. Illinois was the first state to provide COVID-19 testing and Pritzker announced two more IDPH labs in central and southern Illinois that will be able to test specimens this week.

Illinois’ previously confirmed two cases of COVID-19 and both patients made a full recovery.

Symptoms reported among patients have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Right now, the virus has not been found to be spreading widely in the U.S., and the risk to the general public remains low.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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