Lake Co. Sees Uptick In COVID-19 Cases In Teens, Young Adults

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Health officials in Lake County are monitoring an uptick in COVID-19 cases among teens and young adults who contracted the virus after attending social gatherings and also working with two suburban high schools where COVID-19 cases have been linked back to. Athletic camps at Lake Zurich High School have been suspended after multiple participants tested positive for the virus, and health officials are also looking into a case of COVID-19 that has been traced back to Vernon Hills High School.

Now, those recently attending the poms, football and baseball camps at Lake Zurich High School have been asked to self-quarantine for 14 days, and the Lake County Health Department is working closely with the high school to determine next steps. Health officials are also investigating a case of a person who tested positive for COVID-19 after participating in athletic activities at Vernon Hills High Schools this past week.

• Illinois Coronavirus Update July 8: 149,432 Cases, 7,099 deaths
• 3 Lake Zurich Sports Camps On Hold After Campers Test Positive

“We urge our students, parents, and the entire community to respond immediately if you are contacted by the Lake County Health Department, as time is very critical in our contact tracing process,” said Sana Ahmed, medical epidemiologist for the Lake County Health Department. “Our staff is here to provide you with guidance and support. Your assistance in the process helps."

Also in the past two weeks, the health department is seeing more teens and young adults testing positive for COVID-19. Since June 25, cases reported in Lake County residents under age 30 have been rising while cases in the general population have remained steady.

“During our case investigations, we are finding that many young people who attended social gatherings with their friends have become infected with COVID-19,” Ahmed said. “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."

Those who think they may have been exposed to the new coronavirus should contact the Lake County Health Department at 847-377-8130.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Symptoms typically develop 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Some people with COVID-19 may have no symptoms at all and may still be able to spread the virus to others, health officials said.

Lake County residents are reminded to follow these guidelines to continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Maintain a distance of 6 feet from others when you go out in public.
• Wear a face covering or mask when social distancing cannot be maintained.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid crowds or large gatherings.
• Stay home if you are ill except to receive medical care.