Contributed by Lyndi Warner, MPA – Administration & Operations Supervisor/PIO-Health & Community Services Department
Coronavirus Case linked to Plasma Center, Some Donors May Have Been Exposed
Kalamazoo, MI – One symptomatic employee who works for the Grifols BioMat USA, has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The health department advises people who were at the plasma center located at 167 E. Kalamazoo Avenue on the following dates June 27, 28, and 29, and July 3, 6, 8, and 9 to monitor themselves daily for symptoms of the respiratory disease and seek testing from their healthcare provider.
The medical/clinical employee with COVID-19 was wearing a face covering and shield while working; however, transmission is still possible due to the prolonged close contact that may occur during the process of plasma donation. People with symptoms, which may develop within two to 14 days after exposure, should seek immediate testing for COVID-19 and isolate themselves while awaiting results. People without symptoms may request testing, if desired. Asymptomatic infections may also occur and can be contagious. Symptoms of COVID-19 include, but are not limited to, cough, shortness of breath, fever, and new loss of taste or smell.
Contact tracing is ongoing, and the health department believes that reaching all individuals who were possibly exposed may be difficult.
“The Grifols BioMat USA is working closely with the health department. People should be aware that they may receive a phone call or message from us. We ask if you do, to please call us back. Reducing the risk of community transmission is a critical intervention for COVID-19,” said Jim Rutherford, Kalamazoo County Health Officer. “With more places reopening and people interacting more in public, we are likely to have potential public exposures, like this one, occur.”
Many options are available for coronavirus testing in the community. People can contact their primary care physician or find a testing site by calling the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 and select option 1. The hotline is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. People can also go to the MDHHS website, Michigan.gov/CoronavirusTest, to find a testing location.
To prevent the spread of coronavirus, people should maintain a distance of 6 feet away from others, wear a mask or face covering, wash their hands, and stay home if ill. Information about COVID-19 is rapidly changing. The latest information is available at www.michigan.gov/coronavirus and www.kalcounty.com/hcs/covid19.php.
Website: www.kalcounty.com/hcs