Forrest General Hospital officials called on Pine Belt residents to remain calm after the first case of COVID-19 – commonly called “coronavirus” – in Mississippi was discovered in a 49-year-old Hattiesburg man Tuesday.
“We are asking the public to remain calm,” said Dr. Rambod Rouhbakhsh, assistant director of the Forrest General Family Medicine Residency Program. “Due to outbreaks overseas and the national attention, supplies for personal protective equipment are in short supply. These are things like masks, gowns and gloves.
“Due to this short supply, we will be limiting the number of visitors inside our hospitals. Starting (Thursday), we will limit one visitor per patient until such time shipment of supplies starts flowing again. We ask for your patience during this time of heightened alert," he continued.
The spread of coronavirus, which has been called a pandemic by the World Health organization, had claimed 39 lives in the United States. Almost 1,500 cases have been reported nationwide.
The threat of contracting the coronavirus has led to the closing of local sporting events, colleges and universities in Mississippi, and events that bring in large crowds. Following the advice of Mississippi State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs, local health officials cautioned residents against attending events that would draw at least 250 people.
Rouhbakhsh said people with symptoms of cough, congestion and fever are more likely to have an illness other than coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control said symptoms for coronavirus are fever, cough and shortness of breath.
“Nevertheless we were aware that cases would eventually come to our state,” he said. “We have been preparing for weeks to be ready to care for our patients. We will get through this.”
Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker also urged Pine Belt residents to remain calm and not panic but to see their primary care physician if they feel they have symptoms of the coronavirus.
“Yes, this is a challenge,” he said. “Yes, there will likely be more positive cases in the days, weeks, and months going forward. Yes, this will be an inconvenience for us and disrupt how we go about our daily lives.
“We are no stranger to tough situations in this community. We have first-class healthcare institutions. We have world-class results, so let's be smart, listen to our medical community, and make good decisions to keep ourselves and our families safe.”
Rouhbakhsh said the infectivity of the coronavirus is highest in the first two days of having symptoms and could take as long as 14 days to show symptoms. However, the illness affects different age groups different ways.
“The rate of infection for kids is fortunately very, very low,” he said. “They may be carriers. We don't quite know that, but they just don't get ill from it and as a result they're unlikely to spread it.”
Because antibodies have not built up in the immune system, no vaccinations are available to fight off the coronavirus.
“Right now, I think the best line of defense in the community is to wash your hands or don’t come into contact with other people,” Rouhbakhsh said. “Try not to touch your face because this virus is transmitted into your body through your facial contact. So we ask people to avoid close contact with people and avoid crowded areas.
“You don't have to avoid living your life, he continued, “but when this thing spreads, it spreads because we passed it to one another.”
Also speaking during the news conference were David Hogan, president of the Forrest County Board of Supervisors, and Dr. Steve Farrell, chief medical officer at Forrest General Hospital.