Bethlehem tracing cases linked to doctor’s office Cat is 1st pet diagnosed with COVID-19

TheBethlehem Health Bureau is investigating a case of COVID19 associated with Dr. Sylvia Medina’s office at 2037 Stefko Blvd.

The bureau said Tuesday it is working with Medina’s office to identify close contacts who may have been exposed. Anyone who visited the office Oct. 9, 13 or 14 is asked to quarantine and contact the city Health Bureau at 610-865-7083.

Individuals who visited the office during this time may have been exposed and should monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days, the bureau said.

Medina’s office is temporarily closed to ensure the health and safety of staff and customers.

— Christina Tatu

A 16-year-old Cumberland County cat that lived with COVID-19 sufferers acquired the disease in what officials say is Pennsylvania’s first confirmed case of a household pet infection.

The cat “presented in early October with mild respiratory illness,” the state said in a news release. “Unfortunately, as a result of respiratory distress, the cat was humanely euthanized. The case is still under investigation, and a primary cause of death has not yet been confirmed.”

The cat is one of a handful of COVID-19 positive pets from across the United States that died or were euthanized while infected. All pets had prolonged exposure to COVID-19 individuals but none appear to have died from the illness. Instead, the cause of death was attributed to other serious underlying illnesses.

At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading COVID-19 to people. It is mainly spread through person-to-person contact.

Symptoms of COVID-19 in pets include fever, coughing, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, lethargy, sneezing, nose or eye discharge, vomiting, or diarrhea. If your pet exhibits symptoms after contact with a person positive for COVID-19, contact a veterinarian.

“As Pennsylvanians have spent more time at home throughout the pandemic, our companion animals have undoubtedly been the recipients of extra love and attention,” state veterinarian Kevin Brightbill said. “If you or a loved one becomes diagnosed with COVID-19, take steps to keep your pet healthy, just as you would your family.”

Many of the same recommendations for protecting people apply to animals.

To help protect pets, households with COVID-19-positive individuals should adhere to the following guidelines:

Avoid contact with pets and other animals.

Arrange for someone to care for pets while you or family members are in isolation.

Avoid petting, holding, facial contact and sleeping in the same bed.