More than 80 teens and adults have been tested for COVID-19 after attending a summer camp in central Illinois that did not require masks indoors or a vaccination case.
Of the 85 infected, about 70% of the cases were in those who had not been vaccinated, According to a press release from the Illinois Department of Health on Monday.
“The perceived risks to children may seem small, but even a mild case of COVID-19 can cause long-term health problems,” Institute of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Izeki said in the statement.
CNN reported that a transit camp in Schuyler County set up in mid-June left an unvaccinated teen needing hospitalization after contracting the virus.
USA TODAY has reached out to Crossing Camp for comment.
IDPH said it was only aware of a handful of teens and staff members who had received the vaccine, even though everyone in the camp was eligible for it.
Some attendees also attended a nearby conference that resulted in an additional 11 cases, IDPH reported.
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“Infected young people who may not be seriously ill can pass the virus on to others, including those who are too young to be vaccinated or those who do not build the strong immune response expected to the vaccine,” Ezeki said.
He said crossing the crossing On his website Fourth and fifth grade camp has been postponed until August due to the COVID-19 outbreak between June 13-17.
“We were looking forward to spending time with camp this weekend, but we believe the best way to appreciate and love our students, team makers, and staff is to delay camp until a safer time,” the site said.
The IDPH said Schuyler and Adams counties, where the outbreaks occurred, were nearly 40% vaccinated. About 53% of the population over the age of 12 in Illinois is fully immunized.
“IDPH reminds people of the importance of vaccination, including young people, as the delta and other variables continue to be prevalent,” the statement read.
Follow reporter Asha Gilbert @Coastalasha. Email: [email protected].
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