Oshkosh pandemic diary April 15: Mercy reports discharge of COVID-19 patient; case count rises by 1

The patient spent 11 days in intensive care before his release from the hospital April 14.

Ascension Mercy hospital in Oshkosh released photos, a video and the story of a COVID-19 patient who was discharged on Tuesday.

The man “was admitted to Ascension Mercy on March 25, and tested positive for COVID-19,” the hospital said. “His condition declined rapidly and he was on a ventilator in the COVID [intensive care unit] for 11 days.”

Earlier this month he began to improve and was taken off the ventilator on April 6. Three days later, he was moved out of the COVID unit to work with physical, occupational and speech therapists to regain his strength.

At 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday he left the hospital. “He will continue to receive antibiotic treatment at home and have virtual follow-ups with specialists and his primary care provider to assist in his recovery,” the hospital said.

The patient was not identified by name, “I couldn't have imagined better care. We are extremely grateful,” he said.

Another positive test
The Winnebago County Health Department reported Wednesday another positive test for coronavirus, bringing the total to 31.

Separately the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported a statewide increase of 166 positive tests to a total of 3,721. The number of Wisconsin residents who have died from COVID-19 rose by 12 to 182 as of Wednesday afternoon, DHS said.