Health officials report that they are seeing an upward trend in new COVID-19 cases among teenagers and young adults in Lake County.
The Lake County Health Department said that cases in residents under the age of 30 have been rising while cases in the general population have remained steady since June 25.
“During our case investigations, we are finding that many young people who attended social gatherings with their friends have become infected with COVID-19,” said Dr. Sana Ahmed, Medical Epidemiologist for the Lake County Health Department.
“Youth are just as likely as adults to get and spread this virus, and your risk is higher if you and those you spend time with are not following social distancing, handwashing, and masking guidelines,” Ahmed said.
“We ask that everyone continue to take these risks seriously and contact the Health Department if you think you have been exposed. We need your help to keep this virus under control,” she added.
The Lake County Health Department is working closely with Lake Zurich High School after multiple cases were identified among athletic camp participants.
The Lake Zurich High School has suspended athletic camps until further notice. Participants of the poms, football, and baseball camps have been asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.
An individual participating in athletic activities at the Vernon Hills High School tested positive for COVID-19 this week, health officials said.
Case investigations and contact tracing are underway at both schools to identify cases and make sure that anyone who was in close contact with a confirmed case is quarantined, monitoring for symptoms, and tested, officials said.
Ahmed said that it is important for the community to respond if they are contacted by the Lake County Health Department as part of their contact tracing process.
“Our staff is here to provide you with guidance and support. Your assistance in the process helps us slow the spread of COVID-19, protecting your own household and the community,” Ahmed said.
10,185 Lake County residents have tested positive for the virus and 408 of them have died since the pandemic began.
Anyone who feels they were exposed to COVID-19 is asked to contact their healthcare provider or call the Lake County Health Department’s Communicable Disease Program at 847-377-8130 for guidance.