A Q&A on the coronovirus with Swain County Health Department Director Alison Cochran
On Tuesday, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper went before the public to report that the state had its first case of the 2019 novel coronavirus in Wake County.
The previously unknown severe respiratory virus was first found in humans in Wuhan, China, Dec. 31, 2019.
“I know that people are worried about this virus, and I want to assure North Carolinians our state is prepared,” Cooper said. “Our task force and state agencies are working closely with local health departments, health care providers and others to quickly identify and respond to cases that might occur.”
The patient was reported to have contracted the virus after a visit to a nursing home in Seattle Washington, where there have been seven deaths related to the virus.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the World Health Organization reports 91,783 confirmed cases worldwide with 3,124 deaths. In the United States, 13 states have reported cases with a total of 64 cases nationwide. There are currently 74 countries with reported cases
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. For most people, symptoms tend to be mild. In severe cases, it has caused pneumonia, kidney failure and even death.
Health care provider are providing treatment support care and investments are being made in vaccine development.
The disease is transmitted in general through droplets from coughing or sneezing or on contaminated surfaces.
People are urged to practice good hygiene, keeping hands washed or using alcohol based hand sanitizer and covering their mouth when they cough and sneeze.
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina
How is Swain County preparing for a potential COVID-19 outbreak?
Swain County Health Department along with other healthcare providers and emergency services are preparing for a potential COVID-19 outbreak by staying up-to-date with factual information from CDC, the World Health Organization, and the NC Department of Health and Human Services. We utilize this information to make sure our departments have the appropriate plans and policies in place to deal with an outbreak if needed.
What can businesses, schools and agencies that operate in public spaces do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?
Businesses, schools, and other agencies can promote proper handwashing, provide alcohol based hand sanitizers for staff, students, and/or visitors, and clean commonly used items and surfaces regularly with disinfectants. Businesses and other agencies should also review their policies to make sure staff who are sick are not being asked to come to work. Every effort should be made to encourage sick individuals to stay home.
What is your response to some of the fear of the dangers COVID-19 poses to members of the public?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses common in humans and animals. COVID-19 is new to humans. This is an evolving situation so we are learning as we go. Factual information will be distributed by CDC, WHO and NC DHHS. This information will be disseminated to local health departments, hospitals and other agencies.
How is it similar/dissimilar to seasonal influenza?
COVID-19 is similar to the common cold and flu in regard to symptoms and it is a respiratory illness. It is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and people are in close contact (within 6 feet). It may be possible to get the virus from contaminated surfaces but that is not the primary route of transmission.
What’s your advice to Swain County residents on how best to guard themselves against the spread of the virus and prepare for a potential outbreak?
Older persons or those with compromised immune systems are most at risk of getting a more severe infection. Avoid crowded places, isolate sick individuals, and proper handwashing are the best ways to prevent infection.
One thing I’ve seen recommended is to get the flu vaccine. What’s your advice on that, and is it still available?
The Influenza vaccine will not protect a person from COVID-19 but influenza itself is still active in the community and the vaccine is still available. In 2018-2019, the CDC estimated 35.5 million people had influenza with 34,200 associated deaths in the United States. In North Carolina there were 203 influenza associated deaths during 2018-2019.
What’s your take on facemasks and the COVID-19 outbreak?
There has been a lot of confusion about masks. Healthy individuals should wear a mask only if they are taking care of a person with suspected coronavirus infection. Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If you wear a mask then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.
Are there any other questions the health department has been getting or confusion you’d like to address?
The community can take precautions in terms of basic hygiene. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, avoid touching your face, avoid contact with those that are sick and clean frequently touched items at your home and work with EPA-registered disinfectant. For general COVID-19 questions - email: ncresponse@dhhs.nc.gov, call 866-462-3821.
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