Covid-19 cases rise by nearly a third to 158 Health Dept. cautions against using drugs not approved for the illness

By Shawn Cunningham
© 2020 Telegraph Publishing LLC

The number of Covid-19 cases in Vermont rose by 35 today, Thursday, March 26, from 123 yesterday to 158 and the Department of Health announced that another patient has died raising that total to nine.

To date, six of those patients who have died were residents of Burlington Health and Rehab.

Windham has 7 cases and Windsor 17, which is no change from yesterday. However, Chittenden County is recording 20 more cases since yesterday. And all the counties abutting Chittenden have recorded rises, although not so steep. Addison has three more cases and Washington is recording two. Franklin and Lamoille are recording a hike of one case each since Wednesday.

The total number of coronavirus tests conducted to date is 2,008.

No drugs approved yet for use on Covid-19

Photo by Cottonbro for Pexel.

As reports appear in the news of certain drugs being potentially used for treatment or prevention of COVID-19, the Vermont Department of Health strongly urges caution.

At this time, the U.S. Drug Administration has not approved any drugs specifically for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.

Though the anti-malarial drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, among others, have been widely discussed as potential treatments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said there are no data currently available from randomized clinical trials that would inform how these drugs could be used to treat COVID-19.

In fact, there are significant potential risks to taking such drugs, including death.

Health officials remind Vermonters that most people who get COVID-19 can manage their symptoms at home with rest, drinking fluids and taking fever-reducing medication. Talk to your health care provider before taking any substance alleged to prevent or treat COVID-19.

Providers should only prescribe these drugs for individuals with diagnosed conditions, and not for prevention, to help maintain the supply for Vermonters who need them.