Answering Fresno-area reader questions about coronavirus: Are there enough ventilators?
As conronavirus continues to upend life in the central San Joaquin Valley, The Fresno Bee is here to answer your pandemic-related questions. While we’ve tried to address many of them in our regular coverage, in such a complex and evolving story some topics can slip through the cracks.
When the answers require information that isn’t readily available, we will solicit input from public officials and health experts.
Questions can be emailed to news@fresnobee.com or left at 559-441-6330. Instructions on how to submit news tips and documents can be found at fresnobee.com/news/investigative-tips.
How many ventilators does Fresno County have and what are (public health officials) doing to make sure we have access to more for the expected surge? Leanne F. of Fresno
Rais Vohra, Fresno County’s interim public health officer, said Monday there are between 100 and 150 ventilators countywide. He added “many” of them are already in use by non-coronavirus patients but did not know the exact number.
The county, Vohra said, has “about 150” beds in intensive-care units, a number that has increased because a few local hospitals recently added to their ICU capacities.
“We may need several hundred more beds and ventilators, which is a source of consternation because if we do get a surge that happens very suddenly … we’re going to be very challenged in providing the top-level care for these critically ill patients,” Vohra said.
Is there any chance coronavirus can be spread by secondhand smoke? Dale K. of Visalia
While secondhand smoke has been used as an analogy to describe how the virus spreads that causes COVID-19, there is no data suggesting secondhand smoke actually spreads the virus.
However, medical experts warn that smokers (as well as vapers) are more susceptible to severe effects from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, than nonsmokers. Meaning secondhand smoke breathers are at additional risk as well.
How many COVID-19 patients are hospitalized in Fresno/Clovis today? Are local emergency rooms overcrowded with people who are worried that they have COVID-19 but don’t? Jeff J. of Fresno
Vohra said 14 people with COVID-19 are currently hospitalized in Fresno and Clovis. “Some of them are critically ill,” he added.
Local ERs are not overcrowded with potential patients. Not yet, at least. That’s what all the stay-at-home and social-distancing measures are designed to prevent.
Any word or concern about the spread of COVID-19 during mosquito season? Anonymous
The answer is “No,” the new coronavirus cannot be transmitted by mosquito bites, according to the World Health Organization.
“To date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes,” the WHO reports.
The same, evidently, applies to ticks.
My daughter is an ER nurse and was exposed three times by patients who are COVID-19 infected. Can I be with her safely with 6 feet apart outside if she’s wearing a mask? Or should I stay away from her for now? Kristy G. of Fresno
Most health experts would advise staying away — particularly since you know your daughter has been exposed — and it’s a little surprising she hasn’t insisted on that separation given her occupation.
This story was originally published April 7, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
