COVID-19 case confirmed in St. Clair County

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This story has been updated to reflect a confirmed case of the virus.

The first of what is expected to be many more cases of COVID-19 has been confirmed in St. Clair County. That according to officials from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the St. Clair County Health Department. The patient is described as a middle-aged adult male who has a history of domestic travel. The individual is in stable condition and is isolated at his home. No further details on the man have been disclosed. The St. Clair County Health Department adds that the patient took proper precautions early on and had minimal community contact.

Medical Health Officer for St. Clair County Dr. Annette Mercatante  says the public should start taking proactive measures to protect themselves and the families from the disease. “We don’t really want to wait until people are in the hospital. We want to try and control the transmission at the community level,” said Dr. Mercatante.  Some of those forms of protection can be as simple as frequently washing hands and wiping down surfaces. She adds that “social isolation” and staying out of crowded areas is also an effective way to curb the transmission of the virus.

Dr. Mercatante tells WPHM that the specific strain of virus is extremely fast moving, adding to the urgency. She says during a “bad” flu season, about 10 to 20-percent of the population gets infected. However, with COVID-19, the rates are higher — upwards of 50-percent. “That creates a very difficult burden on our healthcare system,” said Dr. Mercatante. She says those who feel the slightest bit sick are encouraged to stay home. Those with respiratory issues should contact their healthcare provider by phone who may refer you to testing. Testing will be determined based on a risk assessment. The health department has activated an informational hotline for the virus, at (810) 966-4163. Further information is also available on the St. Clair County Health Department’s website.

March 12 Dr. Annette Mercatante