KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Another person is reported to have died from COVID-19 as the number of cases in Kalamazoo County reaches more than two hundred.
As of Wednesday, April 22nd the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department has confirmed 212 individuals testing positive for COVID-19 and 11 total deaths in the community.
A released statement by county health officials says that the most recent resident to die, and 10 previous deaths, all occurred among individuals over 70 years of age with underlying health issues.
The latest statewide testing data shows that 33,966 people have tested positive for COVID-19 statewide and that exactly 2,813 people have died from the illness.
Senior citizens, people with pre-existing conditions, and vulnerable community members like homeless individuals are at increased risk for COVID-19 and carry a higher chance of dying from complications. Current Michigan statistics indicate that patients in their 70’s have a 28% chance of dying from the illness, and those over 80 face a 38% mortality rate.
This week Kalamazoo County health officials identified three vulnerable population centers where residents have tested positive for COVID-19. 10 residents have tested positive and two have died at Park Village Pines nursing home in Oshtemo Township, while 17 residents and three employees are confirmed to have contracted the virus at Medilodge nursing and rehabilitation home in Kalamazoo.
The Kalamazoo Gospel Mission’s homeless facility housed a resident who has since tested positive for COVID-19, with organization officials notifying those coming in to contact with the person about potential exposure.
In hopes of tracking more cases, the Kalamazoo County Health Department launched a new COVID-19 test collection set for high-risk and previously approved patients.
Kalamazoo County provides an updated tally of confirmed cases, negative tests, and other data related to the COVID-19 pandemic daily.
For statewide information, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services provides an update of confirmed cases and relevant demographic data for COVID-19 every day at 3 p.m.
County health departments are also allowed to report additional cases before the state does, with Michigan health officials encouraging residents to keep track of outbreak information through their local health department website.
