Los Angeles County officials today provided an update on the ongoing coronavirus pandemic happening around Southern California. According to Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the head of the county's Public Health Department, the county has confirmed an additional 40 number of cases, bringing the total to 230. That includes the ten casese that were reported by the city of Long Beach and two cases that were reported by the Pasadena Health Department
Health officials also reported another death in the county, bringing the toll to two deaths so far. Dr. Ferrer described the individual as a man between the ages of 30 and 50 who had an underlying health condition. All currently known cases of the novel coronavirus in L.A. County are currently under quarantine and observation.
According to TMZ, the patient had recently traveled to Walt Disney World and reportedly developed a bloody cough about a week after returning home from the theme park in early March. After arriving in L.A., the man reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 and was later sedated and place on a ventilator. TMZ reported the patient had a history of asthma and frequent bronchitis as a child.
Health officials say people should assume at this point that they have been infected and that other people are infected as well.
"That's the goal of social distancing," Dr. Ferrer said.
Dr. Ferrer said people experiencing symptoms should get some rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take Tylenol for the fever if it's safe for you to do so. She also recommended that people begin isolating themselves from people they live with for seven days and not share utensils, cups, and not prepare food for others.
Meanwhile the number of cases reported by health agencies around Southern California continued to increase.
- Los Angeles County: 230
- Orange County:42
- Ventura County: 13
- Riverside County: 15
- San Bernardino County: 3
- San Diego County: 80
To keep up to date on the latest news about the coronavirus and to understand what you need to stay safe and healthy, check out the Coronavirus: Fact vs Fiction podcast from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.
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