Mysterious Respiratory Illness Kills 2, Hospitalizes 5 In Alabama

There's a mysterious respiratory illness in Alabama that has killed 2 people and hospitalized 5 others. The illness has public health officials scratching their heads. Keep reading to find out what to look out for. 

From Inquisitr:

A fever, cough, and shortness of breath affected those infected by the mysterious illness, and samples from all seven patients are currently being tested by the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control Respiratory Laboratory, with results expected later this week.

 

Alabama Department of Public Health Spokeswoman Mary McIntyre said public health officials are hoping that publicizing the outbreak would make Alabama residents aware of the mysterious illness that has killed two:

“We’re only aware of the Southeast, but we don’t know — we haven’t received reports from anywhere else … That’s why we’re trying to get the information out.”

 

WFSA reports that public health officials have discovered little to connect the infected individuals with one another, and add that none had recently traveled:

“So far none of those affected by the mystery illness appear to be connected to each other and there’s no indication that any had recently traveled outside the country … The ADPH and CDC are recommending that hospitals take respiratory precautions, such as breathing masks, when treating patients with respiratory symptoms.”

 

Let's hope that they're able to figure out and control the illness. But do take precautions.