In the past two months, Oklahoma children ages 5 to 14 have outpaced all the other age groups in new COVID-19 case rates, but state officials say it’s more important to note that the entire state population is currently seeing high infection rates.
A Tulsa World analysis found that the 5-14 age group has experienced 85% growth in the rate of new cases per 100,000 population since early October.
COVID-19 case rates in that age group increased from 1,009 per 100,000 population the week ending Oct. 8 to 1,869 per 100,000 the week ending Nov. 19.
By comparison, the next oldest age group, those ages 15 to 24, has seen a 59% jump in the new case rates, or from 3,667 per 100,000 to 5,833 per 100,000 population.
Despite the range in case rate increases among age groups, the state Health Department cautioned against focusing on just one sector of the population when looking at infection growth rates.
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"There are many factors that could contribute to increases or decreases in infection rates, making it difficult to speculate as to why we are seeing trends within age groups,” said Derek Pate, Health Department spokesperson. “The important thing to note is that we're seeing a high rate of infection in the population across all age groups.
“It's imperative that Oklahomans remain vigilant and continue to protect themselves, their families and their communities by wearing a mask, washing their hands and watching their distance."
The Health Department said that the differences in infection rates seen across the age groups are generally minor and likely reflect very few, if any, scientifically meaningful differences.
Still, the numbers prompted alarm from State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister, despite being made aware of the caveats about the numbers from the state Health Department.
“The spike in pediatric cases is very alarming to us, particularly because the numbers had been comparatively low until mid-October,” Hofmeister said in a statement. “The OSDE has been periodically posting the numbers of cases in the 5-17 age cohort to help underscore the need for all Oklahomans to stay vigilant.
“We need schools to be open, and that happens through mitigating the spread of the virus. The rise in pediatric cases reminds us that, while most children with COVID are asymptomatic, they do get infected and they do transmit it.“
Overall, the 15-24 age group accounts for the largest COVID-19 infection rates in the state with 5,833 cases recorded per 100,000 population the week ending Nov. 19, according to data from the state Health Department.
While the 15-24 age group has the largest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and case rates, it has one of the lowest death rates at 0.4 per 100,000 population.
Only one person in the 5 to 14 year old age group has died, making for a death rate of 0.2 per 100,000 population.
The highest death rate is among the 85 and older age group. The 428 who were aged 85 or older represented a death rate of 584.7 per 100,000 people.
While it encourages mask wearing, the State Board of Education has refused to impose a statewide mask requirement in schools.
Correction: This story originally misreported the entity responsible for the failed vote to impose a statewide mask mandate. The story has been corrected.
Video: Dr. Bruce Dart talks about Tulsa Public Schools returning to in-person instruction
Dr. Bruce Dart said on Nov. 10 that in-person instruction for younger students is going well, while older students in extra curriculars are a concern
COVID-19 basics everyone needs to know as the pandemic continues
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
