CHICAGO, Ill. – Some changes once again this week in the number of COVID-19 cases statewide, and in how the virus is being spread.
The Illinois Department of Public Health says while the number of counties in the state transmitting COVID at elevated levels has increased from 18 to 26, there are no more counties in Southern Illinois transmitting at high levels. All 26 counties are at “medium” spread. That includes Peoria and Tazewell Counties, while Woodford County is at low.
The number of new cases, however, is almost the same, with 10,300 reported in the last week — down four hundred.
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Doctor Sameer Vohra describes the situation as “stable”.
What Vohra says he is concerned about is a growing number of cases of strep throat that are complicating things.
“As COVID-19 cases and community levels remain stable, I want to share my concern about the growing number of strep throat cases in Illinois that are leading to severe complications,” Vohra said, in a news release. “These cases, known as invasive Group A strep, are the result of disease spreading from the throat to blood, muscle and lungs. I urge parents to contact their health providers when their children start showing early symptoms. These symptoms include sudden onset of sore throat, pain when swallowing and fever. Early detection is critical as strep can be diagnosed with a simple test and treated with antibiotics. If able, please make sure everyone in the house is up to date with flu and chickenpox vaccines. Having either the flu or chickenpox can increase your risk of contracting invasive Group A strep.”
