DES MOINES, IA —
An unidentified illness is baffling health professionals and keeping patients sick for weeks in the Des Moines area.
Janae Brown, advanced nurse practitioner at UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine in Ingersoll, said the clinic and attached urgent care see several patients each day with runny noses, coughs and congestion. Many feel sick for about a week, but symptoms return soon after.
“The strange thing is we see them come back shortly after with similar symptoms,” Brown said. “They’ve been hanging on to this bug for about a month.”
Brown said the cases do not appear to be due to COVID-19, flu or strep, and return negative results when she tests for those viruses or other common illnesses. Without a clear diagnosis, it is difficult to give patients a clear timeline or guidance for their recovery.
Brown said patients usually improve with rest and home care, but some cases have progressed to pneumonia. She advised people to seek medical attention if their condition worsens after progressing, particularly if they develop chest pain, difficulty breathing or fever.
To help prevent illness, Brown recommends washing your hands and getting vaccinated annually. If you get sick, she advises you to stay away from others, drink fluids and get rest.
Gn Health
