At least 3 coronavirus cases (COVID-19) linked to Lansing Veterinary Clinic, more suspects

LANSING, Mich. – Ingham County health officials on Saturday announced multiple cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) linked to a Lansing veterinary clinic, with even more people exposed.

Authorities say at least three people who visited the Riverfront Animal Hospital between June 23 and July 2 tested positive for the virus.

Anyone who has been to the clinic between those dates should be on the lookout for COVID-19 symptoms, which can develop up to 14 days after exposure, authorities said.

Riverfront Animal Hospital is now a known public display site for COVID-19. Everyone who entered the veterinary clinic from June 23 to July 2 should check themselves daily for symptoms, “said Linda S. Vail, Ingham County Health Officer.” I highly recommend everyone in our community that wear a mask and stay 6 feet away from others. We will likely continue to see public exhibitions like this. Every time you are in public, there is that potential. “

Health officials say they are tracking contacts and suspect there are additional COVID-19 infections related to the Lansing exposure site.

Anyone with symptoms should look for the COVID-19 test and should isolate themselves until they receive results, authorities said. You can find a free COVID-19 test site in Michigan on the state’s website here.

The county announcement comes as COVID-19 cases linked to an outbreak in an East Lansing bar continue to escalate. As of Wednesday, more than 130 cases of COVID-19 have been linked to an outbreak at Harper’s Restaurant and Brew Pub in downtown East Lansing.

Click here for the latest COVID-19 news.

Diffusion from person to person

The virus is believed to spread mainly from person to person.

• Between people who are in close contact with each other (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory drops produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can fall into the mouth or nose of close people or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can anyone transmit the virus without being sick?

• The spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who do not show symptoms can still carry the virus and can still pass it on to others.

Propagation of contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

It is possible that a person can contract COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not believed to be the main way the virus spreads

How easily the virus spreads

The ease with which a virus is transmitted from person to person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (easily spread), like measles, while other viruses are not as easily spread. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continuously without stopping.

Prevention and treatment

There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The best way to prevent disease is to avoid exposing yourself to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends daily preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory illness, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a disposable tissue, then throw it away.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with a household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Click here for more CDC guidelines.

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.

Read more about COVID-19 here.