FOR THE STAR JOURNAL

The Oneida County Health Department has released information regarding a recent rise in the levels of COVID-19. That includes an increase statewide in surveillance systems, such as wastewater. People who have COVID-19 can shed the virus in their feces, even if they do not have symptoms.

The OCHD is monitoring these systems to “better understand how prevalent COVID-19 is and act quickly if it is spreading in a community,” according to a news release.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body ache, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea. Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary between variants.

The health department is asking for the help of community members to keep themselves, family and friends healthy and offer the following precautions. Older adults and those immunocompromised are “especially” urged to do the following:

-Stay home if feeling ill

-Wear a mask

-Avoid crowded areas

-Practice hand hygiene

-Get vaccinated – Updated COVID-19 vaccines are expected in the fall

For more information visit: 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

https://publichealth.co.oneida.wi.us/