So far there's been 7 suspected cases of coronavirus: If you have such symptoms, call this number

Foto: Nikola Tomić, Tanjug/AP

Since the outbreak of coronavirus in China until today, only seven people suspected of having this infectious disease have been admitted to the Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases of the Clinical Center of Serbia. Fortunately, the tests came back negative for each of them, the director of the Clinic, Associate Professor Goran Stevanovic tells Telegraf.rs.

"As you know, this is a brand new virus. A person who has symptoms that could be linked to coronavirus, and who spent time in an area where the infection is present, is considered a possible case until proven otherwise. We've had such patients. We had seven suspicious cases. There were equally our nationals and the Chinese who work in our country. We carried out a diagnostic protocol, the findings were negative, and most of them had common flu. Initially, coronavirus and flu are not much different based on the clinical picture," says doctor Stevanovic.

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Photo: Nikola Tomic

According to him, this clinic is always ready handle the most complicated cases without problems, and this is also true of the novel coronavirus.

"The destiny of the Infectious Diseases Clinic and our function since 1926, when the clinic was established, is to treat the most severe cases and patients with the most pronounced infectious pathology. That means we've been getting ready for something like this and have been ready for decades. We hanfled the SARS epidemic, the pandemic influenza A (H1N1), MERS, and were prepared for Ebola. For us, coronavirus is just another in a series of serious infections that need to be taken care of. We have the protocol, we have the equipment as well as trained staff. What is more important for citizens is that all early detection measures have been taken that involve not infectologists but the epidemiological service, border police, border sanitary inspectors, monitoring of the point of arrival in order to detect the first cases before they enter the country, that is, at the moment of entry," he said.

Photo: Nikola Tomic

Stevanovic recalls that anyone who suspects they have coronavirus can get all relevant information by calling the following Ministry of Health number - 064 8945 235.

"The most important information can be received by contacting the competent epidemiological service, in Belgrade this is the City Institute for Public Health, where epidemiologists will provide all information. Depending on the exact epidemiological picture, you will be advised as to whether and where you should report immediately for an examination. All persons coming from a zone where coronavirus is currently present, regardless of whether or not they have any symptoms, should receive an informational leaflet at the border," says Dr. Stevanovic.

Photo: Tanjug/AP

If a person requires admission to the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, they will first be placed in an isolation area.

"From the moment of entering here, if an epidemiological assessment has been made that coronavirus is indeed suspected, the patient will first be placed in our isolation area. They will be examined by an infectologist wearing protective attire, while the nurse, who will also be wearing certain protective equipment, will take relevant samples. If the patient has indications for hospital treatment such as changes in the lungs, disorders showing in lab tests that require hospitalization, they will be admitted to the Isolation Ward for further treatment," said Associate Professor Dr. Stevanovic.

Photo: Nikola Tomic

Test results showing whether or not a person has the novel coronavirus arrive in an hour or two:

"Depending on whether or not the virus is present, further hospital treatment continues. As regards persons who need epidemiological surveillance only, the epidemiological service takes samples in their homes, which they should not leave."

Photo: Tanjug/AP

The clinic is open around the clock. Under our Health Care Law, patients who have or suspect they have an infectious disease are treated at the expense of the state health care fund, RFZO, regardless of whether or not they have health insurance.

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(LJ.R.)