King County/Seattle: 83 COVID-19 Cases & 17 Deaths

#15,061

The State of Washington hasn't updated their COVID-19 page yet today, but the hardest hit region - King County/Seattle - has.  Today they add 12 new cases and announce two additional deaths.  This brings their total to 83 cases and 17 deaths.

The current extraordinary mortality rate (20%) is due to the spread of the virus in a LTCF (Long Term Care Facility), where most of the residents are quite elderly, and have significant comorbidities. 

While not reflective of the kind of human losses we would expect from the general population, this is a reminder that for those over the age of 60 - or who have comorbidities - their overall risk from this viral pneumonia is considerable.

Younger people are not immune to the virus, and some may see severe illness, but they are far more likely to recover than `at risk' populations.

Update: King County COVID-19 case numbers for March 8, 2020

March 8, 2020

Summary

Public Health – Seattle & King County urges King County residents to follow guidance to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in our community. Together, we may potentially impact the spread of the disease in our community. Public Health is reporting 12 new cases today. The official case count is 83.

Story

What those at higher risk should know and do:

As this novel coronavirus gains a foothold in our community, it's essential that people who are at higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19 know what they can do to protect themselves and their loved ones.

People at high risk for complications from COVID-19 are:

• People older than 60 years
• People with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
• People with weakened immune systems
• Pregnant people 

People in these groups, and families who live with those at higher risk for severe illness need to take action to prepare and protect themselves.

Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications and supplies. Create a household plan of action (see CDC's home plan checklist).

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid crowds and other congregate settings.
• Try to avoid being in large groups of people, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.

Clean your hands often.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs.

Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks) with household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface, following label instructions.

Pay attention for potential symptoms.

COVID-19 symptoms can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
If you develop symptoms:

• Call your healthcare provider and inform them about your symptoms. Follow the advice of your healthcare provider about whether to go to your doctor to get tested or to remain at home.
• As much as possible remain separate from other family members, especially those who are older or have underlying health conditions.
• Know when to get emergency help
• Get medical attention immediately if you have shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion or dizziness, or persistent vomiting, or if you start to improve but suddenly begin to feel worse.

Case updates

Twelve new cases of COVID-19 have been reported to Public Health – Seattle & King County through 11:59 p.m. on 3/7/20, bringing the total number of reported King County cases to 83.

Of the 12 new cases reported today, two are deaths. The total number of deaths reported to Public Health is now 17. The two deaths being reported today include:

• A woman in her 80s, a Life Care Center resident, was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth, and who died on 3/6/20
• A man in his 90s, a Life Care Center resident, was hospitalized at Harborview Medical Center, and who died 3/5/20

Of the 17 deaths reported, 16 are associated with Life Care Center.