MADISON (WKOW) -- Confirmed cases of COVID-19 and deaths attributed to the disease increased again Friday.
Confirmed cases rose to 3,068. That is an increase of 183 from the day before. Health officials have previously said this number could be much higher because many people may have the virus without exhibiting symptoms.
The state reported 17 more deaths since the day before. The total is now 128, implying a fatality rate of 4.1 percent. However, the fatality rate fluctuates each day and may be much lower if there are more total cases than those identified through testing.
Over 33,000 tests have come back negative.
The number of people who have needed hospitalization due to COVID-19 in the state since the outbreak began stands at 904, 29 percent of total cases.
The Department of Health Servicesreleased the updated numbers on their websiteFriday afternoon. The website is updated every day around 2 p.m.
(Our entire coronavirus coverage is available here.)
The new strain of the coronavirus causes the disease COVID-19. Symptoms include cough, fever and shortness of breath.
In severe cases, pneumonia can develop. Those most at risk include the elderly, people with heart or lung disease as well as anyone at greater risk of infection.
For most, the virus is mild, presenting similarly to a common cold or the flu.
Anyone who thinks they may have the disease should call ahead to a hospital or clinic before going in for a diagnosis. Doing so gives the staff time to take the proper precautions so the virus does not spread.
Those needing emergency medical services should continue to use 911.
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