Coronavirus Deaths Mount At South Suburban Hospitals

COOK COUNTY, IL — Five deaths attributed to the new coronavirus were reported this week as misery began at hospitals in Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park and Palos Heights, signaling the beginning of the surge. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the deaths of eight more people on Sunday, bringing the total in Cook County to 40. Across Illinois, 65 people have died, with 4,596 testing positive for COVID-19.

An 87-year-old Chicago man died March 26 at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. The man died as a result of acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by a coronavirus infection. High blood pressure, heart disease and deep vein thrombosis were contributing factors, according to the medical examiner.

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On March 27, a 69-year-old Chicago woman with end stage renal disease died of respiratory failure due to COVID-19 infection. The woman had other underlying conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. She died March 27 at OSF-Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park.

At Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights, a 61-year-old Oak Forest man died March 27 of respiratory failure as a result of a coronavirus infection. Pulmonary fibrosis was a contribution factor, according to the medical examiner.

Earlier in the week, a 69-year-old Chicago man and a 72-year-old Burbank woman died March 23 and March 24, respectively, at Advocate Christ.

On Saturday evening, a nurse from Advocate Christ made a desperate plea on Facebook for Welch Allyn oral temperature probe covers, which are used to prevent cross infection on thermometers.

“If your Medical Offices are closed, please consider a donation. Donations accepted at our dock on Kostner between the Christ and [Advocate Children’s] hospitals. We need hand sanitizer, too! Thank you,” the message said.

More on Patch:

• South Suburban Hospitals Brace For Coronavirus Surge
• OSF-Little Company of Mary Expand ER For Coronavirus Pandemic
• Donating Gloves, Cop Tests Positive: Coronavirus In The Southland