LVHN

A Lafayette College student has been hospitalized with upper respiratory systems and is being isolated.

The following statement was issued Feb. 6 to The Press by the hospital.

“Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest is caring for a patient who was admitted with minor upper respiratory symptoms and had recently traveled to China,” Brian Downs, public information officer for LVHN said. “The patient was appropriately isolated upon arrival. Proper precautions were taken and protective attire was worn. There were NO exposures to patients, visitors or staff. Out of respect for patient privacy we will not be able to provide any additional information.”

Downs also said influenza continues to be widespread across Pennsylvania with a total of 60,000 laboratory confirmed cases, 1,311 flu associated hospitalizations and 40 flu associated deaths being identified.

“Lehigh Valley Health Network has a very strong infection control and prevention program and consistently follows CDC recommendations for early identification and containment of communicable diseases,” Downs said. “LVHN routinely implements all necessary safety precautions to protect patients, visitors, and staff from potential transmission of any infectious disease. If you or your family member develops flu-like symptoms contact your primary care physician for an evaluation.”