1,434 new COVID-19 cases, 17 new deaths reported Saturday in Mississippi

JACKSON, Miss. (WLOX) - Across the entire state, there were 1,434 new cases of COVID-19 and 17 new deaths reported Saturday.

In South Mississippi, that number breaks down to 195 new cases and six new deaths reported for the six southernmost counties.

As of July 24, here are the cases reported in the following: Harrison County (80), Jackson County (71), Pearl River County (16), George County (13), Hancock County (12), and Stone County (3).

Harrison County reported three new deaths, while Jackson County reported two new deaths and George County reported one. Only one of the six of the new deaths reported was a patient in a long-term care facility, which was in Harrison County.

In the last five days, Harrison County has seen 387 new cases, while Jackson County has seen 471.

Mississippi investigates both probable and confirmed cases and deaths, said MSDH. As of July 24, there have been a total of 51,097 cases investigated, which includes 653 probable cases. There have been 1,480 deaths investigated, including 37 probable deaths.

Confirmed cases and deaths are generally determined by positive PCR tests, which detect the presence of ongoing coronavirus infection.

Probable cases are those who test positive by other testing methods such as antibody or antigen, and have recent symptoms consistent with COVID-19, indicating a recent infection.

Probable deaths are those individuals with a designation of COVID-19 as a cause of death on the death certificate, but where no confirmatory testing was performed.

Hospitalizations

As of July 24, there were 961 people hospitalized with confirmed infections in Mississippi. It’s the second-highest number of COVID hospitalizations seen to date, down 14 patients from the day before. The number of patients in ICU increased July 23 from 279 to 295 on July 24. However, the number of patients in ICU who are ventilated went lowered to 159 on July 24, down 16 patients from the day before.

The majority of people who get COVID-19 will not require hospitalization, say health officials.

Recoveries

State health officials estimate 30,315 Mississippians have now recovered from COVID-19 as of July 19, 2020. That total does not include cases still under investigation. MSDH updates the number of recoveries weekly.

In order to determine the presumed number of people who have recovered from the virus, state health officials say the patient must meet one of two criteria. For patients who were NOT hospitalized, they are considered recovered if they have not tested positive for the virus after 14 days. For patients who were hospitalized or if hospitalization was unknown, they are presumed recovered if it has been 21 days or more since they tested positive.

Weekly High Case and High Incidence Counties

The state is now ranking counties by weekly cases, and by incidence (cases proportional to population). All tables are updated weekly.

Underlying Conditions, Race, and Age

Cases among young adults ages 18 to 29 are highest, warns MSDH.

Underlying conditions are also reported in many of the deaths that have resulted from coronavirus complications. Most deaths from COVID-19 have occurred in patients with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Long-term Care Facilities

A total of 3,317 patients diagnosed with the virus are currently in long-term care facilities throughout the state as of July 24. In all, 682 people diagnosed while in long-term care facilities have died.

MSDH says: “Long-term care (LTC) facilities like nursing homes are considered high-risk locations because their residents are older or in poor health. Even one case of COVID-19 in these facilities among residents or employees is considered an outbreak. We investigate residents, staff and close contacts of infected individuals for possible exposure.”

Testing

As of July 24, a total of 436,973 tests have been done statewide, which includes the number of tests by MSDH and the number of tests given by other providers. That includes 421,233 PCR tests and 15,740 antibody tests.

PCR testing detects current, active COVID-19 infection in an individual. Antibody (serology) testing identifies individuals with past COVID-19 infection based on antibodies they develop one to three weeks after infection.

In all, MSDH labs have conducted 62,084 tests as of July 24. Of those, 6,420 have shown positive results.

Drive-through clinics for testing are popping up across the state. However, health officials are asking that you call ahead to make sure you meet the qualifications for testing.

Anyone wanting to be tested for COVID-19 can complete a pre-screening by calling one of the following hotlines:

• Memorial Hospital Coronavirus Hotline: 228-867-5000
• Singing River Health System Coronavirus Hotline: 228-809-5044
• MS Dept. of Health Coronavirus Hotline: 877-978-6453.

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