First Patient Tests Positive for COVID-19

On Sunday, March 15, a child presented in our Adele Hall campus emergency department with cough, sore throat and a history of fever. After being fully assessed and found to have a minor illness, the child, who also had possible contact with the coronavirus, was swabbed and then sent home.

On Tuesday, March 17, we received confirmation that the child’s swab was positive for COVID-19. We notified the family of the test results and the family agreed to self-quarantine. The case has also been reported to the Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department.

At Children’s Mercy, we always are prepared to handle any infectious disease, so this is not new to us. We followed our standard protocols and we are confident that, in evaluating this patient, and any other child who presents to us, all the necessary precautions are taken to limit transmission of disease and infection. We have one of the best trained pediatric medical staffs in the country who have prepared their entire medical careers to meet moments like these.

Click here for more information on COVID-19 and how to protect you and your family.