DuPage County COVID-19 cases rose significantly during past week

COVID-19 cases increased significantly over the past week in DuPage County.

As of Jan. 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 17,063 COVID-19 cases in DuPage County over the last seven days, an increase of 66% from the previous week, according to a DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) news release.

There were also 444 new hospital admissions in DuPage County related to COVID-19 illness, which represents a 3% increase (or 13 additional patients) since Jan. 4. Positivity rates have also been steadily rising and are now at 20%, the release stated. In the past week, there have been 23 deaths due to COVID-19 in DuPage County.

Those who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 continue to remain at a consistently higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization and COVID-19 related deaths. More than 88% of all deceased COVID-19 cases in DuPage County since Dec. 15 occurred in persons not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the release stated.

Last week, the CDC updated its recommendation for when people can receive their booster shot, shortening their interval from six months to five months for those who received the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

The CDC has also expanded the eligibility of Pfizer booster doses to those 12 to 15 years old. Additionally, consistent with its prior recommendation for adults, the CDC is recommending that moderately or severely immunocompromised 5- to 11-year-olds receive an additional primary dose of vaccine 28 days after their second shot. To find COVID-19 vaccines near you, visit www.vaccines.gov.

The DCHD urges residents to continue to take action to protect themselves and the community against the spread of COVID-19. Being up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, including a booster dose, is the best way to protect yourself against severe illness and death from COVID-19. Everyone age 12 and older is now recommended to receive a vaccine booster, the release stated.

The DuPage County Health Department is offering appointments for 12- to 15-year-olds to receive their COVID-19 booster shots. DCHD COVID-19 booster shots are available at the Central Public Health Center in Wheaton and through the Care Van COVID-19 vaccination clinic.

Individuals should be considered for outpatient therapy for COVID-19 if they are symptomatic with mild-moderate COVID-19 illness AND have a positive SARS-CoV-2 viral test result, AND are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 illness and/or hospitalization. We encourage healthcare providers to stay up to date onCOVID-19 outpatient treatment guidelines. Illinois Department of Public Health has developed a list and map of outpatient therapy locations atdph.illinois.gov/covid19/covid-19-outpatient-therapy-locator.html

All residents are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and stay up to date with booster shots and wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask when in public indoor settings, especially in crowded places and poorly ventilated spaces, and consider self-testing before indoor gatherings In addition, anyone who becomes ill or infected with COVID-19 needs to stay home (except to receive medical care) and self-isolate to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

More information and resources to prevent COVID-19 in DuPage County is available at www.dupagehealth.org/covid19.