Michigan covid cases up to 127,516

The number of confirmed covid cases in Michigan has risen to 127,516, including 6,801 deaths. The update represents 1,158 new cases and 13 additional deaths. Michigan’s totals were 126,358 cases and 6,788 deaths. Today Michigan reported a total of 99,521 recoveries. New covid cases and deaths remain mostly flat in Michigan. Testing has remained steady, with an average of more than 30,000 per day, with the positive rate just above 3 percent.

Michigan reported its highest one-day testing total with more than 41,000 diagnostic tests on August 21st 2020. Hospitalizations have slightly increased but the number of patients in critical care is near its lowest point. Michigan’s 7-day moving average for daily cases was 867. Michigan’s fatality rate is 5.4 percent. Michigan also reports active cases which were listed at 23,700.

There have been more than 7.3 million cases reported across United States. More than 208,000 have died in the United States. Worldwide, more than 34.4 million people have been confirmed infected and over 1.24 million have died. The true numbers are certainly much higher, because of limited testing, different ways nations count the dead, and deliberate under-reporting by some governments.

For most people, the covid causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. Covid is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Between people who are in close contact with one another within about 6 feet. Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic. Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms. There have been reports of this occurring with covid, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

It may be possible that a person can get covid by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious while other viruses do not spread as easily.

Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent covid. The best way to prevent covid is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. Wear a mask or face covering when in public. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

People who think they may have been exposed to covid should contact their healthcare provider immediately. In September 2020, the Oakland County Health Division and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reminded residents to take precautions from mosquito bites as cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) had been confirmed in two horses in Holly and Ortonville. No human cases had been identified.

MDHHS recommended cancelling outdoor activities occurring at or after dusk, particularly activities that involved children. This would include events such as late evening sports practices or games. These animal cases show that EEE was present in Oakland County. Residents in the communities needed to take simple steps to reduce the risk of serious disease from mosquito bites such as limiting exposure at outdoor activities and wearing mosquito repellent.

Residents were recommended to use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent. All EPA-registered insect repellents were evaluated for safety and effectiveness, and would contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol as the active ingredient. Repellents containing a higher percentage of the active ingredient typically provide longer-lasting protection.

Michigan health authority warned to always follow the product label instructions.

Residents were reminded to be careful when using repellent on the hands of children as it might irritate the eyes and mouth. Residents should also wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants. Limit outdoor activity from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes were most active. Mosquito-borne diseases, such as EEE were seasonal and flared in warm summer months and continued into the fall.

The public was urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites until the first hard frost of the year. EEE was one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States. EEE had a 33 percent fatality rate in people who became ill. Persons younger than age 15 and over age 50 were at greatest risk of severe disease following infection. People could be infected with EEE from the bite of a mosquito carrying the virus.

Signs of EEE included the sudden onset of fever, chills, body and joint aches which could progress to a severe encephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures, and paralysis. Permanent brain damage, coma, and death might also occur in some cases. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should visit their physician’s office.