No Known Cases Of COVID-19 In Montana

Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has not yet made an appearance in Montana, as of press time, however it has hit people countrywide, including nearby Oregon and Washington. The Valley County Health Department and Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital are advising everyone, whether you stay in Glasgow, are an avid traveler, or just make the occasional trips out of town, to wash your hands. If hand washing is not immediately available, utilize hand sanitizer that has at least 60 percent alcohol. “There is no need to panic. This virus is like every other virus that comes. Treat yourself as you normally would to prevent other viruses such as the common cold and the flu,” stressed VCHD Director Crystal Alvarado.

There is still so much unknown about COVID-19, which was first identified in Wuhan, China, and has rapidly spread worldwide. Reported illnesses in the United States have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease. Symptoms typically appear two to 14 days after exposure and include a fever, cough and shortness of breath. Those with other existing health conditions and the elderly are more likely to be at risk of developing severe symptoms from the respiratory illness. “If you have been in close contact or live with someone who has been confirmed with the virus, or recently traveled to a place with a confirmed case, and experience the symptoms, call your provider ahead of time to schedule a time to get checked out. Please don’t go into the clinic waiting room,” stressed Alvarado. “If you do have the virus, you want to limit your exposure to others.”

Montana currently has a limited number of test kits to test for COVID-19, so in order to get tested certain criteria must be met. “We at VCHD will consult with the hospital if they feel a case has been presented. We will then go through a set list of criteria, which includes if the person has been in contact with someone with a confirmed case, if they have been in an area with a confirmed case, etc. If a test is warranted, an oral and nasal swap will be taken, sent to the state lab in Helena and then sent to the CDC lab,” explained Alvarado. While the test results are awaited, a non-pharmaceutical intervention plan will be put into place. The person will be sent home and quarantined while self-monitoring for 14 days. In the event more medical care is needed, a room is set aside at FMDH and those providing care in the hospital will be gowned to prevent the spread. Also while test results are being processed, the VCHD will start determining who the person came into contact with and where they went where others might have contracted the virus. “If we determine the person was at Albertsons at a particular time for example, we would have to post a notice stating if anyone was in the store on the same date and near the same time as the person, to be aware of their symptoms as they may have touched the same cart or door handle as the person,” explained VCHD registered nurse Ella Tweten.

Even though quarantine will be needed in the event someone shows symptoms, the VCHD advises there is no need to go overboard on stocking up on paper products, such as toilet paper, or food, such as canned goods. “You should always be prepared and have enough supply on hand anyway if something were to happen. You should just have enough food and medication on hand,” stressed Alvarado. “If you have it, you will have to limit your exposure. But there is no need to panic. Don’t buy more than you need.”

In the event a confirmed case does make an appearance in the state, actions and plans are currently being implemented to prepare and respond to the event. On March 3, Governor Steve Bullock announced the activation of the Governor’s Coronavirus Task Force, which is a multi-agency task force that will coordinate public health response, continuity of government and communication between state, federal and local partners. The state receives daily updates and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which are then shared through the state’s Health Alert Network to local health officials. “The task force gives comfort that the VCHD is maintaining their role and an eye is being kept on things. It’s good that the government is working on it. A lot of time and money is being put into this situation,” stated Tweten.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent the virus so the best way to decrease your odds of contracting the virus is to avoid being exposed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread including avoiding close contact with people who are sick, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, staying home when you are sick, cover and cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, clean and disinfect frequenty-touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

For more information on COVID-19, how to prevent the virus and the latest information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.