A first case of coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has been detected in Valais, according to a press release from the State of Valais. Reported positive by the laboratory of the Central Institute of Hospitals, it has yet to undergo a confirmation test by the national reference center in Geneva.
All cases that were initially validated have so far been confirmed.
The patient is a 30-year-old Haut-Valaisan. Measures were put in place immediately. The patient, whose condition is considered to be good and does not cause concern, was confined to Sion hospital. Four members of his family were placed under quarantine at home. An epidemiological investigation is under way to determine with whom other people he has been in contact, so as to take adequate measures also concerning them.
This first case, a certainty
For the cantonal doctor, Christian Ambord, this contamination was a question of time. “The virus has spread in Switzerland, it is clear that it would arrive in Valais,” he explains. “The necessary measures have been taken and the family of the person concerned has been quarantined”. The cantonal doctor said, “it cannot be excluded that other cases will occur in the days to come”. But this case is the proof, “the detection system works”.
He reminds us in passing of the rules laid down by the OFSP to prevent contamination: wash your hands regularly, cough and sneeze in your elbow or in a handkerchief and stay at home in case of cough and fever.
In case of doubt as to a possible contamination, Christian Ambord stresses that it is necessary, as a priority, to contact his family doctor and not to go to the emergency room.
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