Hospitalizations related to Oklahoma’s relentless coronavirus outbreak have again hit a record, as did the daily infections that continue to sweep across the state.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health on Saturday reported 3,663 new COVID-19 cases and 21 more deaths related to the virus, bringing the death toll to 1,624 and 121 this week alone.
The state’s seven-day rolling average reached a record high for the fourth day in a row at 2,960 cases per day, and Tulsa County’s seven-day rolling average reached a record high of 440 cases per day, according to OSDH data.
There were also six deaths reported within the county, bringing the total to 254.
This week, all 77 Oklahoma counties are in the “orange” risk level for the COVID-19 Alert System, according to a state news release. The agency continues to closely monitor the statewide hospitalization trends, the release stated.
As of Friday, 1,505 patients remained hospitalized with confirmed or suspected cases as of the most recent survey of facilities; 450 of those patients are in intensive-care units. Both totals represent all-time highs since the pandemic began.
Dr. Dale Bratzler, the University of Oklahoma’s COVID chief, recently noted that he expected to see “substantial increases” in the number of patients in hospitals by the end of the year at the current trajectory.
“If you look at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, their data, they suggest that by the week of Christmas, we’ll have 1,000 more people in the hospital than we do today,” said Bratzler. “And by the first week of January, we could have a doubling of the number of people that are currently hospitalized in Oklahoma, which means that we’re going to have to limit other activities, unless we see a substantial drop in the rate of growth of new cases in Oklahoma.”
According to state data, 170,924 cases have been confirmed across the state since March, with 31,413 currently active.
COVID-19 by the numbers
The data below are current as of 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
Tulsa County
Confirmed cases: 29,516 (+550)
Deaths: 254 (+6)
Seven-day rolling average: 440.9(+26)
State of Oklahoma
Confirmed cases: 170,924 (+3,663)
Deaths: 1,624 (+21)
Seven-day rolling average: 2,960 (+117)
Hospitalizations: 1,505 (+77)
United States
Confirmed cases: 12,038,182
Deaths: 255,483
Worldwide
Confirmed cases: 57,952,904
Deaths: 1,378,063
Sources: Oklahoma State Department of Health, Tulsa Health Department, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine
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Gallery: COVID-19 basics everyone needs to know as the pandemic continues
How it spreads, who's at risk
Studies have shown many infected people show no symptoms or have symptoms so mild they may go undetected; those people can still transmit COVID-19 to About 20% of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 require hospitalization.
The disease can be fatal, especially for vulnerable populations: those older than 65, living in a nursing home or long-term care facility, and anyone with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or obesity.
Science of virus spread
COVID-19 is spread mainly from person to person via respiratory droplets produced by an infected person. Spread is most likely when people are in close contact, within about 6 feet. A person might also be infected with COVID-19 after touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their face. According to the CDC, evidence suggests the novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces, though that form of transmission is said to be minor.
Transmission between people more than 6 feet from one another may occur in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces, the CDC says, especially where activities cause heavier breathing, such as singing or exercising.
The infectious period for patients can begin up to 48 hours before symptom onset.
List of symptoms
The CDC recently expanded its list of possible symptoms of COVID-19. The symptoms can appear from two days to two weeks after exposure.
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms and will continue to be updated by the CDC. One symptom not included is "purple toes," which someone may experience with no other symptoms, sometimes several weeks after the acute phase of an infection is over. The coloration and pain is caused by a lack of blood flow to the toes caused by excessive blood clotting, a late-stage concern with COVID-19 infections.
Kinds of testing
Those getting tested may experience different kinds of swabs. The viral test, known as PCR, involves a deep nasal swab that can be painful.
Other tests that require less-invasive swabs may produce results faster, but with less accuracy. These should not be used diagnostically.
It is not yet known whether COVID-19 antibodies can protect someone being infected again or how long protection might last.
The 'serious seven'
The "serious seven" refer to close contact environments where residents should take extra precautions if they choose to attend. The seven are gyms, weddings, house gatherings, bars, funerals, faith-based activities and other small events, according to Tulsa Health Department Director Bruce Dart.
Treatments being investigated
The FDA has allowed for antiviral drug remdesivir, previously tested on humans with Ebola, to treat more severe cases of COVID-19 in adults and children. Safety and effectiveness aside, preliminary studies have shown it can shorten recovery time for some patients.
After previously approving an emergency use authorization, the FDA as of July 1 cautions against use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for COVID-19 outside of the hospital setting or a clinical trial. A review of safety issues includes reports of serious heart rhythm problems and other safety issues, including blood and lymph system disorders, kidney injuries, and liver problems and failure.
Convalescent serum therapy
Some patients are receiving convalescent serum, meaning the antibodies made by people who have recovered after a COVID-19 infection. Antibody-rich blood plasma is being given to severely or critically ill COVID-19 patients, including Ascension St. John, Saint Francis Health System, OSU Center for Health Sciences and Hillcrest HealthCare System in Tulsa.
From June to July, requests for convalescent plasma from the Oklahoma Blood Institute multiplied seven-fold.
Recovery, as defined by CDC
To be considered recovered (without a test), these three things must happen, the CDC advises:
- No fever for at least 72 hours (three full days of normal temperature without the use of medicine)
- Other symptoms improved (no more cough, etc.)
- At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared
