Patient in isolation at Queen of the Valley; second case under investigation
(NAPA, CALIF.) A single case of novel coronavirus (COVID-2019) has been confirmed in Napa County, and is under isolation at Queen of the Valley Medical Center. A second patient with symptoms is under investigation at the hospital. Both patients are not residents of Napa County.
The two patients arrived at the Queen of the Valley on Monday from Travis Air Force Base in Solano County. The patients were flown to Travis AFB from Japan, where they were under quarantine on the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
Among the cruise ship passengers flown to Travis AFB, nine were identified as needing testing or hospitalization. Seven of the nine patients were sent to local hospitals in Solano County.
Due to a limited number of isolation beds in Solano County, two patients were transferred to Queen of the Valley.
“There is minimal risk for Napa County residents from the arrival of these two patients at the Queen of the Valley,” said Napa County Public Health Officer Karen Relucio, MD. “They are in isolation, and are receiving medical care and undergoing testing.”
Amy Herold, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Queen of the Valley, said the hospital is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Napa County Public Health to care for the two patients.
“Out of caution, the patients are being monitored in special isolation rooms that have negative pressure to minimize the risk of exposure,” Herold said. “We are following established infection control protocols and working closely with our partners at CDC and Napa County Public Health to ensure the safety and well-being of our caregivers, patients and visitors.”
“Our hospital is equipped to handle the virus. Our caregivers are well prepared; they have received training, have practiced for these scenarios and are wearing protective equipment to minimize their risk of exposure. No hospital operations are impacted,” Herold said.
The confirmed COVID-19 case tested positive for the virus in Japan, but has not experienced any symptoms associated with the virus so far. The patient under investigation for COVID-19 tested negative for the virus while in Japan, but is experiencing symptoms. The patient is being tested at Queen of the Valley.
Both patients are under federal quarantine. The city and state of origin for both patients is not known at this time.
Symptoms of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Typically, human coronaviruses cause mild-to-moderate respiratory illness. Symptoms are very similar to the flu, including runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever, and/or shortness of breath. Older adults and people with underlying health conditions may be at increased risk for severe disease.
Anyone who has recently traveled from China, or has come in close contact with someone who traveled from China, and develops a fever and lower respiratory symptoms, such as a cough or shortness of breath within 14 days after leaving the area, should first call their health care provider and share travel history and symptoms before visiting the clinic or emergency room. Healthcare providers should call Napa County Public Health immediately.
Tips to Protect Yourself and Others
No additional precautions are recommended at this time beyond the simple daily precautions that everyone should always take, such as:
1. Washing hands with liquid soap and water, and rubbing for at least 20 seconds;
2. Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing; and
3. Staying home if you are sick.
Since flu activity will continue to remain high during this flu season, and symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu, Napa County Public Health also recommends getting a flu shot to protect yourself and others from the flu.
For the latest updates, go to the CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
The Board of Supervisors and staff of Napa County are dedicated to preserving and sustaining Napa County for present and future generations as a community with generous open space, a thriving agricultural industry and a quality human and natural environment. Visit us on the web at www.countyofnapa.org, or follow us on social media -- @CountyofNapa on Twitter or Napa County, California on Facebook.
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