Current Activity: The Union County Health Department is reporting 24 Union County residents currently have reported active COVID-19 infections. One individual is currently hospitalized. New cases reported have been decreasing since July 27. No new hospitalizations have been reported since Aug. 04. Union County has moved from a red alert issued on July 26 to a yellow alert (lowest alert level) on Aug. 06. We thank all Union County residents, businesses, and community partners for their actions in helping to slow the spread of the virus after a wave of increased viral activity in early July. We ask all residents to remain vigilant in making informed risk assessments for their families and businesses as we move closer to the fall season.
Cumulative Cases: In total, the Union County Health Department has received report of 238 cases since the first case reported on March 20. 213 individuals have been released from isolation and are no longer considered infectious. 1 death has been reported. Hospitalization has been required for 15 individuals during the course of their illness. 16 individuals have experienced no symptoms (considered asymptomatic). 88% of cases have experienced mild illness. 5% of case have been asymptomatic, 5% of cases have experienced illness that required hospitalization. 2% of cases have required ICU care or resulted in death.
To see full details on the data, please click on this week’s update from our epidemiologists – 08/10/2020 Epi Update
Understanding Different COVID Tests: We’ve received several questions regarding the different types of COVID-19 tests out there. There are three main types of tests in the US.
Molecular Test: The most common test type in Ohio is a molecular test that looks for the genetic material of the specific SARS CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. This test is called a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. This is the test used when we report lab confirmed cases. A sample for testing is collected by a swab in the nose or throat. Results typically take several days. There are some rapid molecular tests termed “Point of Care” that provide results rapidly. However, these rapid “Point of Care” tests are still limited in availability.
Antigen Test: Antigen tests are a newer test that looks for certain proteins from the virus. A sample for testing is collected by a swab in the nose or throat. Results are rapid, available within minutes to hours. This type of test is still not commonly used in Ohio. An individual with a positive antigen test would also need to meet one of two other criteria to be classified as a probable case – clinical evidence of illness (symptoms consistent with COVID-19) or evidence of exposure to a known case.
Antibody Test: Antibody tests, also called serological tests, look for antibodies that indicate a past infection. A blood draw is used for testing. This is the type of test offered by the American Red Cross on blood donations. This test only detects if antibodies have developed, likely from a past infection. This test is not used to diagnose COVID-19. This test also does not mean you have immunity if you have antibodies. Researchers still don’t know if immunity develops after an infection, and if it does, for how long it may protect.
Check out this link from the Mayo Clinic for more information: https://www.mayoclinic.org/covid-antibody-te…/…/faq-20484429