This graph shows statistics regarding COVID-19 cases in Kosciusko County. The red bar shows the number of positive cases; the green bar shows the number of recoveries; and the blue bar represents the number of deaths. Source: Kosciusko County Health Department

By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Kosciusko County’s coronavirus numbers remain unchanged at a total of 30 positive COVID-19 cases, with two deaths reported.

According to the Kosciusko County Health Department, at least 13 of those patients have recovered. Currently, the Indiana State Department of Health’s website shows Kosciusko County at 29 cases.

KCHD Epidemiologist Nichole LaLonde also released information regarding how the virus affects those with heart disease.

“According to Harvard Health, viral illnesses can increase the demands on the heart, which can be worrisome for individuals who have a diseased heart that is already working overtime,” said LaLonde. “Due to an overactive immune response due to SARS-CoV-2, the heart muscles begin to work harder. This viral response strains the heart, weakening the heart muscles, leading to irregular heart rhythms. Additionally, an overactive immune response leads to a fever, which can cause an increase in heart rate.”

Source: Indiana State Department of Health

LaLonde also said individuals taking ACE inhibitors or ARBs to help regulate blood pressure, as well those who have fatty build-up in their arteries, may also be at higher risk. In Kosciusko County, 43 percent of positive cases have a cardiovascular disease.

Meanwhile, the latest posting on the Indiana State Department of Health website shows the total number of cases statewide as 15,961, with the number of deaths in Indiana totaling 844. This is an increase from 813 reported on Sunday, April 26.

More than 84,400 people have been tested for COVID-19 in Indiana.

Locally, Fulton County has 23 positive cases, which is up from 13 reported on Sunday. Wabash County has 22 positive cases, Marshall County has 29 positive cases, Noble County has 56 positive cases, and Elkhart County has 247 positive cases. Whitley County’s case number remains unchanged at 16.

Cass County, which is south of Fulton County and includes Logansport, has 1,025 positive COVID-19 cases – up from 586 reported on Sunday. In other northern Indiana counties, Lake County has 1,586 positive cases; St. Joseph County has 586 positive cases; and Allen County has 486 positive cases.

Marion County, which includes Indianapolis, has the most cases in the state at 4,926.