MSDH reports first COVID-19 death in Warren County

The Mississippi State Department of Health website is showing the first COVID-19 death in Warren County on Wednesday, April 15. The number of confirmed cases in the county is 15, an increase of one case since yesterday.

COVID-19 cases across the state increased by 273 to a total of 3,360 cases.

The numbers of deaths from the virus now stands at 122 statewide after an additional 11 Mississippians died yesterday.

Neighboring Hinds County, which has more cases than any other county in Mississippi, is reporting 280 cases Wednesday and four deaths, an increase of two deaths since yesterday. Additionally, six long-term care facilities are under investigation in Hinds County, another increase of two.

In other neighboring counties, Claiborne now reports eight cases, an increase of two since yesterday, and Sharkey is reporting three cases. Neither Claiborne or Sharkey has any reported deaths from the virus. Yazoo County reports 65 cases, an increase of one since yesterday, and one death. Issaquena County remains the only county in the state without any reported cases.

MSDH reports new statistics on the COVID-19 coronavirus each morning based on the previous day’s testing and death reports.

As previously reported, cases and deaths from the virus are heavily skewed toward African Americans. As of yesterday, 56% of cases and 66% of COVID-19 deaths were among African Americans. Much of the racial distribution of the virus and deaths can be attributed to underlying health conditions that make people more vulnerable to the virus. Those conditions include cardiovascular disease and diabetes, among others.

All age groups have been affected by the disease, including children under 18, with 82 cases, up nine since yesterday. As of Wednesday, MSDH is reporting seven cases in infants less than one year old. This is the first report of COVID-19 in children that young. No deaths among juveniles have been reported in Mississippi.

Deaths and hospitalizations from the virus occur most frequently among those 60 and older. 106 of the state’s 122 deaths, or just over 87%, have been people over 60.

The rate of hospitalizations for those diagnosed with COVID-19 dropped slightly Wednesday to 28%, but this rate is still one of the highest rates in the nation. The national average for hospitalizations from the virus is 12.3%; however, the rate increases to 38.7 per 100,000 for those 65 and older.

Outbreaks under investigation in long-term care facilities now number 66 across the state, an increase of six since yesterday. Even one case is a long-term care facility is considered an outbreak because of the ages and poor health of many residents. The one case reported for several days in Warren County is apparently resolved.

Anyone with symptoms of fever, severe cough or severe chest pains – especially those who are older or in poor health – should arrange for testing with their doctor or one of the many health-care providers now performing testing. Healthcare providers can assess your health history and symptoms and perform testing for COVID-19 as needed. MSDH is also helping conduct free drive-up testing sites in many parts of the state. Always call ahead to the testing provider for instructions on safely being examined before you visit for your test.

The number of people tested in Mississippi as of April 12 is 37,733, with 28,321 tests performed by private labs. The number of tests completed by the MSDH Public Health Laboratory through April 14 is 9,825, with 1,090 positive results, a rate of just over 11%.

Find a COVID-19 testing provider near you

For more information, visit the MSDH website.

Mississippi COVID-19 cases, deaths and long-term care facility outbreaks to date: