Rick Ayers, director of emergency services in Harford County, issued a warning to county residents this week, saying a spike in viruses has caused local hospital emergency rooms to be “busier than usual.”
Ayers wrote Thursday evening that emergency rooms at the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Centers in Aberdeen and Bel Air are experiencing a surge in positive test results for respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses, including norovirus. County residents are encouraged to contact their primary care provider if they have minor symptoms, and only visit the ER if those symptoms are severe, he said.
“To protect yourself and others, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, disinfect surfaces regularly, and avoid close contact with those who are sick,” Ayers said, noting that those with respiratory symptoms should either stay at home or wear a face mask.
Upper Chesapeake reported that between midnight and noon on Friday, 20% to 30% of all emergency room visits were related to gastrointestinal or respiratory illnesses. Only 14% of patients who tested for the flu received positive results.
“Staff are working diligently to care for patients. Many are working overtime to provide essential care to all those we serve,” said Shena Matsos, director of marketing and communications. “Our staff, like the community, is also susceptible to illness and must remain home until medically cleared to return.”
The Harford County Health Department, while unable to pinpoint specific viruses on Friday, also encouraged county residents to increase their hand washing, disinfect surfaces and avoid close contact with sick individuals. “We recommend children and adults get vaccines against the flu, COVID, and if eligible, RSV,” said Ronya Nassar, public information officer.
Nassar also encouraged that those with non-severe symptoms schedule an appointment with their primary care providers and only visit the emergency room if necessary. Those who visit either Upper Chesapeake location are asked to wear a mask to prevent the spread of viruses.
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