Fort Smith, AR – According to the report, all cases are confirmed with a positive PCR test and are reported by the Arkansas Department of Health.
Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, with the Arkansas Department of Health, said:
“Now it’s easy for people to think that because we use the word probable, maybe it’s a case, maybe it isn’t. But that’s not how we think of it. It is a real case. In the same way that a PCR is a real case. The Arkansas Department of Health does case investigation and contact tracing for all probable cases.”
The CDC has reported that the coronavirus patients have mild to severe respiratory illness, with symptoms of cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Those symptoms can appear within two days, or as long as 14 days after exposure, according to the CDC.
Useful tips for avoiding the spread of any type of respiratory virus:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.