Elmhurst Hospital Sees Big Drop In Virus Caseload

ELMHURST, IL — We've been here before: The number of coronavirus patients plunges at Elmhurst Hospital, only to rise at some point later. But it's still worth reporting the good news.

On Tuesday, the hospital reported that it had five coronavirus patients, the lowest number since mid-July, more than three months ago. All five are unvaccinated, according to the hospital.

In two previous periods during the pandemic, the hospital saw single digits — August and September 2020 and May, June and July 2021.

This time, the drop is happening just as colder weather is setting in. With more people inside, it is believed that it is easier to catch the virus. However, more and more people are becoming vaccinated, reducing the effects of COVID-19.

The pace of coronavirus deaths at Elmhurst Hospital has slowed considerably in recent months. In the last month, the hospital saw three more such deaths, for a total of 200.

With the most recent surge in the pandemic, the hospital saw a high of 31 patients — on Aug. 18. That was far lower than the all-time high of 84 on Nov. 17.

Elmhurst Hospital serves an area far larger than Elmhurst.