SC officials announce 3rd coronavirus case tied to Lexington Medical Center nursing home
Three of the 47 cases of coronavirus in South Carolina, announced by state health officials, have ties to a Lexington Medical Center Extended Care Nursing Facility.
A third coronavirus case connected to the facility was announced Tuesday afternoon, according to Lexington Medical Center spokeswoman Jennifer Wilson.
One of the three cases, an older male resident of the facility, died from the disease Monday, becoming the state’s first fatality associated with COVID-19, a respiratory disease that can be fatal.
Wilson could not immediately say whether the third coronavirus case tied to the Lexington nursing home was a resident, employee or visitor of the facility.
Tuesday afternoon, state health officials announced 14 new cases of the coronavirus in the state, bringing the total positive tests to 47.
On Monday, the Department of Health and Environmental Control announced five new cases Monday, including a second patient from Lexington County. Late Monday, Wilson, the Lexington Medical Center spokesperson, confirmed that the second Lexington County COVID-19 case was a resident at the same nursing home as the man who died.
The two patients had contact with each other, a spokesperson confirmed, but the extent of that interaction is unclear.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.
Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
