KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Another death and five new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Kalamazoo County.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported on Tuesday, April 14th that another individual residing in the community has died from the virus, bringing the total number of dead to 8. At last reported the total number of people testing positive in Kalamazoo County has reached 96.
On Monday, March 23, the Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department reported their first three positive cases of novel coronavirus. The first death was confirmed by county health officials on March 30th, followed by a steady rise in confirmed cases as testing capability improved and labs become better at processing test samples.
Since then 7 more individuals have reportedly died from COVID-19 complications, all being described as older adults with underlying health issues. Kalamazoo County officials have confirmed that all of the deaths were among residents over 70-years-old, reflecting data on the state level showing higher mortality rates among older people.
Most recent state data has reported a total of 27,001 confirmed cases in Michigan of COVID-19, and 1,768 deaths resulting from the virus.
Overall reporting shows that COVID-19 can be a dangerous condition for anyone, but certain populations like those with diabetes, heart conditions, and other ailments along with age are factors that can make the illness more serious.
70 to 79 year-olds in Michigan make up 13% of confirmed cases but 28% of fatalities, and those over 80 make up 10% of cases but 37% of deaths according to state data.
The Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department said in a release, “The best action people can take at this time is to adhere to the Governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order and avoid all gatherings of any size. If you must go out for essentials services, wear a cloth face covering, maintain six feet distance with others, and wash your hands.”
Health department officials recently announced a new site to process test samples in the community. Patients referred by care providers will able to access a drive-thru facility where they can drop off samples, ensuring distance and safety during the testing process. The joint operation will be run with Western Michigan University WMed Health staff and be done in cooperation with the Fifth District Medical Response Coalition.
Over the past weekend the state government announced 13 new or expanded drive-thru testing sites, including Grace Health in Battle Creek and the Family Health Center in Kalamazoo.
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Common symptoms of COVID-19 include mild to severe respiratory ailments such as:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Pneumonia
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure.
The best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 is to:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
- Replace handshakes with elbow bumps.
- Stay at least six feet away from others when in a public setting.
The MDHHS hotline for those reporting symptoms will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (800) 535-6136. Kalamazoo County has also activated its COVID-19 hotline at (269) 373-5267.
