With the first case of the coronavirus, COVID-19, in Mississippi being found in Forrest County, steps are already in motion to do what can be done to stop the spread of it in Marion County.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include a high fever (100.4 or higher), shortness of breath and coughing. While similar to flu symptoms, diarrhea and nausea do not accompany this illness, according to Nurse Practitioner Ronda Vanderheiden with the Marion General Hospital Family Practice Clinic.
The Mississippi Department of Health on its website Thursday said 42 people have been tested by the Public Health Laboratory as of March 12, and only one person in the state has been confirmed to have it.
COVID-19 is believed to have been started in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 and has been spreading throughout the world, with the World Health Organization declaring it a pandemic this week. In an effort to avoid sharing it, things such as the NBA, NHL, NCAA basketball tournaments, large mass gatherings and foreign travel are being cancelled or suspended all over the country.
According to Dr. Thomas Dobbs, the state health officer, most children and adults under the age of 65 are not at as big of a risk but those with compromised immune systems, such as lung disease, cancer, heart disease and diabetes, are.
Dobbs said in a Jackson news conference Thursday that physicians may now submit COVID-19 specimens to the Mississippi Public Health Laboratory or commercial labs without prior consultation with the Health Department. The state is also discouraging gatherings of more than 250 people, especially for those who are older or with health conditions.
There is no recommendation at this time that schools should close, Dobbs said.
Locally officials in the schools districts and health officials are watching and monitoring the situation in hope to prevent any outbreaks. Columbia and Marion County school districts will be on spring break next week, while Columbia Academy will be returning from it.
On Wednesday Jason Harris, superintendent of the Columbia School District, issued a statement posted on the school board’s website.
“The Columbia School District has conducted meetings with our cleaning service to discuss the essential requirements necessary for the protection of our students and staff. Our cleaning service has informed us they have moved directly into a disinfecting protocol for all areas. The school district has also provided all classrooms, offices and cafeterias with hand sanitizer to assist with these precautionary measures,” according to the statement.
Harris said he has been monitoring the global cases through Johns Hopkins University.
Marion County Superintendent Wendy Bracey posted a statement on the county school website as well.
“Marion County School District remains diligent in our efforts to reduce the risks of illnesses for student and staff. These steps include:
• Cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces and objects such as desks, keyboards and doorknobs;
• Reminding students to cover their mouth with their arm or tissues when sneezing or coughing;
• Encouraging students to wash their hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer;
• Sending students home if they are sick;
• Educating the public on the risks and prevention measures;
• Keeping in close contact with the Marion County Emergency Management Agency and monitoring updates from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention;
• Taking guidance from the Mississippi Department of Education,” according to the statement.
Vanderheiden said they are accepting patients who may possibly have the virus. The State Health Department said if you suspect having COVID-19, do not go to the emergency room but seek medical attention from your family practice.
Gail Whittington, administrator of The Myrtles Nursing Center in Columbia, said they are following the guidelines set out by the Health Department. All events involving large amounts of people have been cancelled, and everyone who enters the building, including the employees, must submit to a health screening, including having their temperature taken.
The Mississippi Department of Corrections has suspended visitation at all facilities housing inmates. Only attorneys and essential visitors are allowed.
Marion General announced that starting Thursday it is only allowing one visitor per patient. That also applies to the other hospital in the Forrest General system, including those in Jeff Davis and Walthall counties.
Forrest General recommends:
• Wash hands with soap and water frequently and use an alcohol-based (at least 60 percent) hand sanitizer.
• Use your elbow or a tissue, if available, to cover any coughs or sneezes and then dispose of the tissue.
