Virus now claims 46 Oklahoma lives, more than 1,200 cases

The number of coronavirus cases in the state has surpassed 1,200 and four more people have died of COVID-19, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported Saturday.

There are at least 1,252 cases and 46 COVID-19 deaths, the department said, an increase from 1,159 cases and 42 deaths reported Friday.

Of the 46 deaths, 35 were among people aged 65 or over and the four latest deaths, three men and a woman, were each in that age group. Nine of the deaths were people aged 50-64 and two were in the 36-49 age group.

At least one case is reported in 57 of the state’s counties the most, 265, in Oklahoma County followed by 240 in Tulsa County and 171 in Cleveland County.

Cleveland County reports the most deaths with 11, followed by 10 in Oklahoma County and eight in Tulsa County.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.