The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 876 new COVID-19 cases and nine more deaths from the virus Wednesday.
The death toll has risen to 863 with 65,929 cases confirmed since March. Three of Wednesday’s reported deaths were in Tulsa County, a man and woman over 65 and a woman aged 36-49.
Creek and Nowata counties also reported the deaths of a man 65 or older. None of Wednesday’s reported deaths were identified in the past 24 hours.
Tulsa County saw 182 new cases to bring the county’s seven-day average to 157.
The statewide rolling seven-day average is now 830, with 462 patients hospitalized with suspected or confirmed cases.
COVID-19 by the numbers
The novel coronavirus has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The data below are current as of 11 a.m. Wednesday.
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Tulsa County
Confirmed cases: 14,655 (+182)
Deaths: 143 (+3)
Active cases: 2,074 (+178)
Seven-day rolling average: 157 (-0)
Current hospitalizations (Sept. 7): 260 (+8)
State of Oklahoma
Confirmed cases: 65,929 (+876)
Deaths: 863 (+9)
Active cases: 9,661 (-269)
Seven-day rolling average: 830 (+22)
Current hospitalizations (Sept. 8): 462 (-10)
United States
Confirmed cases: 6,329,861
Deaths: 189,718
Worldwide
Confirmed cases: 27,615,676
Deaths: 898,426
Sources: Oklahoma State Department of Health, Tulsa Health Department, Johns Hopkins University of Medicine
Featured video: Oklahoma Gov. Stitt encourages the three Ws to fight COVID-19
Gov. Kevin Stitt said Oklahomans "come together in times of trouble" and "we can't let this divide us."
Interactive graphic: See number of active COVID-19 cases by county
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 others while asymptomatic.
Data from China show that 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.
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 pandemic has inspired a wave of young students to apply for medical school at record levels.
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
