Latest News

DeSoto Regional Health System Receives Its First Presumptive Positive COVID-19 Patient

Patient Treated at DeSoto Regional Emergency Room and Released to Home Isolation

DeSoto Regional Health System has received its first presumptive positive result for a patient with COVID-19. The patient was tested March 16th and results were returned Friday, March 20th, according to Todd Eppler, CEO.  

The “presumptive positive” result means the patient’s sample returned positive for COVID-19 at the state lab in Baton Rouge. The sample has been sent to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for a second test to verify.

To protect the patient’s privacy and abide by HIPAA guidelines, Mr. Eppler would only say the patient presented to the ER with appropriate symptoms for COVID-19 testing which allowed the staff the opportunity to wear protective equipment and prevent the spread of the virus within the hospital.

DeSoto Regional is testing those patients that meet CDC criteria in our Mansfield, Logansport and Zwolle offices and will continue to meet the health care needs of our communities.  Additionally, we are implementing telemedicine procedures in our clinics to ensure patient access to primary care services as needed.

Also, as a reminder, there is no need to be tested unless the patient has symptoms of respiratory infection such as a fever over 100.4 and shortness of breath. Finally, Mr. Eppler is asking all patients that believe they need to be tested to call their provider’s office or the hospital to allow the staff to prepare and prevent further spread.