WASHINGTON CO. HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY NO COVID-19 LOCALLY, NO CAUSE FOR PANIC
Health officials in Washington County are telling citizens to not buy in to the COVID-19 panic sweeping the nation.
(courtesy photo)
Dr. William Loesch, Washington County’s health authority, EMS Medical Director, and general internal medicine physician at Baylor Scott and White – Brenham Clinic, said in a release Thursday that Washington County has not seen any confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Dr. Loesch said, while there are certainly concerns about the potential for contracting the virus, residents are encouraged to not panic. He said the first case of community spread was only seen just a few days ago, with the vast majority of cases seen from travel-related infections. So far, Texas has only 33 confirmed cases.
Dr. Loesch said the approach may change if cases start popping up locally, but right now panic is “not the answer”. He said the best defense right now is “common sense and awareness of how to prevent spread of the disease”.
Dr. Loesch said the risk of someone contracting the disease is “practically zero”, unless that person has traveled to China or one of the other countries that have seen cases, or has been exposed to someone with the disease. He added that the “vast majority” of people infected will clear up on their own.
Dr. Loesch did say, if anyone believes they are infected, they should not leave their home and should consult a medical professional.
Symptoms associated with coronaviruses, according to Dr. Loesch, are similar to the common cold, including congestion, sore throat, runny nose, and fevers. The novel version of the coronavirus, COVID-19, can develop into a much more severe illness, like SARS and MERS. The disease can be spread without a patient showing symptoms.
Unlike other coronaviruses, this one tends to target older individuals, and children—so far—do not seem to be seriously affected. Dr. Loesch said those at highest risk are the elderly and those with other chronic health conditions, including diabetes and smoking.
At this time, Dr. Loesch does not plan to recommend cancelling classes or community gatherings, although many schools and organizations have already done so. He also does not recommend that people stockpile emergency supplies or make any major alterations to their lifestyle.