COVID-19 Media Update
March 09, 2020
March 6, 2020
COVID-19
Media Update
Overview
The Southern Nevada Health District announced the first presumptive positive case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a Clark County resident on March 5, 2020. Test results are considered “presumptive positive” until the result is confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, presumptive positives are included in the case counts reported by CDC. The patient is a male in his 50s who is hospitalized and currently in airborne isolation and does have underlying medical conditions. The patient remains in serious condition.
The patient reported a recent travel history to Washington state, where community spread of the virus is being reported, and Texas, which recently reported its first travel-associated case. The Health District is working with its health care partners and leading the effort to quickly identify close contacts of the patient.
While the COVID-19 outbreak is a serious public health threat, the immediate risk from the virus to the general public in Clark County and the United States remains low at this time.
Toronto Case Report
The Health District is aware of a recent report of a COVID-19 case in a Toronto resident with a recent travel history that includes Las Vegas. There are no reports that this individual developed his infection during his travels. Public health officials in Nevada are gathering more information about this case. As of March 6, Toronto Public Health is reporting 14 positive cases of COVID-19 in Toronto.
Close Contacts
People identified as close contacts of the case reported in a Clark County resident are being identified as part of the Health District investigation. These people are asked to “self-quarantine” for a 14-day period. Potential close contacts include people who share a household, health care providers, or people who were within 6 feet of the individual for a prolonged period of time. The individual was not experiencing symptoms while they were traveling, and people in airports or who had limited interactions are not considered close contacts or at high risk. People who had contact with an asymptomatic close contact of a case are not considered at high risk for COVID-19.
Southern Nevada Public Health Laboratory
The Southern Nevada Public Health Laboratory now has a total of three kits and can process approximately 800 specimens. The laboratory receives specimens from health care providers. Patient testing is done following an evaluation by a medical provider. CDC guidance advises local health care providers to assess their patients based on what is happening in their communities and on patients’ symptoms. Additional resources can be requested from the CDC as needed.
Southern Nevada Health District Information Line
The public can call (702) 759-INFO (4636) for more information. Currently, the Information Line is available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Additional information and updates are available on the Health District website at http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/coronavirus.
How the Public Can Help the Response
Jennifer L. Sizemore
Manager, Office of Communications
Southern Nevada Health District
Office: (702) 759-1225
Mobile: (702) 303-7549
www.SNHD.info
COVID-19
Media Update
Overview
The Southern Nevada Health District announced the first presumptive positive case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a Clark County resident on March 5, 2020. Test results are considered “presumptive positive” until the result is confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, presumptive positives are included in the case counts reported by CDC. The patient is a male in his 50s who is hospitalized and currently in airborne isolation and does have underlying medical conditions. The patient remains in serious condition.
The patient reported a recent travel history to Washington state, where community spread of the virus is being reported, and Texas, which recently reported its first travel-associated case. The Health District is working with its health care partners and leading the effort to quickly identify close contacts of the patient.
While the COVID-19 outbreak is a serious public health threat, the immediate risk from the virus to the general public in Clark County and the United States remains low at this time.
Toronto Case Report
The Health District is aware of a recent report of a COVID-19 case in a Toronto resident with a recent travel history that includes Las Vegas. There are no reports that this individual developed his infection during his travels. Public health officials in Nevada are gathering more information about this case. As of March 6, Toronto Public Health is reporting 14 positive cases of COVID-19 in Toronto.
Close Contacts
People identified as close contacts of the case reported in a Clark County resident are being identified as part of the Health District investigation. These people are asked to “self-quarantine” for a 14-day period. Potential close contacts include people who share a household, health care providers, or people who were within 6 feet of the individual for a prolonged period of time. The individual was not experiencing symptoms while they were traveling, and people in airports or who had limited interactions are not considered close contacts or at high risk. People who had contact with an asymptomatic close contact of a case are not considered at high risk for COVID-19.
Southern Nevada Public Health Laboratory
The Southern Nevada Public Health Laboratory now has a total of three kits and can process approximately 800 specimens. The laboratory receives specimens from health care providers. Patient testing is done following an evaluation by a medical provider. CDC guidance advises local health care providers to assess their patients based on what is happening in their communities and on patients’ symptoms. Additional resources can be requested from the CDC as needed.
Southern Nevada Health District Information Line
The public can call (702) 759-INFO (4636) for more information. Currently, the Information Line is available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Additional information and updates are available on the Health District website at http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/coronavirus.
How the Public Can Help the Response
- Do not go to the emergency department unless it is essential. Emergency departments need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.
- If you have a mild cough, fever, or other respiratory symptoms, contact your doctor first.
- Practice everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Stay informed. The COVID-19 situation is changing frequently. Up to date information is available on the Health District website at www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/coronavirus or the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
Jennifer L. Sizemore
Manager, Office of Communications
Southern Nevada Health District
Office: (702) 759-1225
Mobile: (702) 303-7549
www.SNHD.info
