CHICAGO — The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Cook County Department of Public Health on Monday announced a fourth patient has tested positive for COVID-19.
The test results will have to be confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Illinois woman, in her 70s, is the spouse of the state’s third case – a man in his 70s.
The woman has been quarantined at home and is complying with health officials. Both patients are reported to be in good condition.
Public health officials are working to identify and actively monitor individuals who were in contact with both patients in an effort to prevent additional transmission. Public health officials will reach out to individuals who may have been exposed to the couple.
Gov. J-B Pritzker has requested that hospitals across Illinois implement additional testing to improve surveillance for COVID-19.
Illinois was the first state to provide COVID-19 testing and Gov. Pritzker has announced two more IDPH labs in central and southern Illinois will be able to test specimens later this week.
Illinois’ previously confirmed two cases of COVID-19 made a full recovery.
Symptoms reported among patients have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
To date, the virus has not been found to be spreading widely in the U.S., and the risk to the general public remains low.
Public health officials have encouraged the public to not change their daily routines and remain vigilant about keeping germs from spreading, by covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands with warm soap and water, and staying home when sick.
For more information from the Illinois Department of Public Health, click HERE.
