Mississippi health officials are now reporting ten cases of the coronavirus in the state. MPB's Kobee Vance reports on efforts to slow the spread of disease.
COUNTY: | CASES: |
COPIAH | 2 |
HINDS | 2 |
FORREST | 3 |
LEFLORE | 1 |
PEARL RIVER | 2 |
Source: Mississippi Department of Health
The Mississippi Department of Health has tested some 90 patients for COVID-19. As additional lab testing increases, State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers says the disease is progressing and evolving rapidly in the state.
"We have really ramped up our testing capacity at the public health lab. We've streamlined those processes for providers to be able to submit samples to us, and with our expanded testing, certainly we have an expectation that we will continue to see more cases in the coming days to weeks."
State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs says one of their top concerns is having adequate facilities to treat patients with coronavirus. He says too many cases can stress the healthcare system.
"We've asked physicians to delay nonessential outpatient visits. So if someone's coming in for routine medical care, we're gonna ask them to delay it, so that people who are well don't come and intermingle with people who are ill."
There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19, and health officials are trying to slow the spread of infection. Doctor Dobbs says one of the best ways to prevent the spread of the disease is social distancing.
"Limiting mass gatherings to less than 250 people. Certainly, if it's a smaller gathering and someone thinks it's prudent to cancel it, we are supportive of those decisions, and certainly, leave that to the different individuals."
Health officials say after someone is exposed to the coronavirus, there is a 14 day incubation period. The disease causes mild respiratory problems, including fever and cough, and the majority of people will recover. Residents over the age of 65 who are immunocompromised are at greater risk for severe outcomes.
