Coronavirus Cases Increase Among Teens In Fenton, South Lyon

FENTON, MI — A trio of Michigan health departments said Tuesday that there has been an increase in coronavirus cases in the areas surrounding South Lyon and Fenton.

The Oakland County Health Division, Livingston County Health Department and Genesee County Health Department report a steep increase in coronavirus cases in those areas since mid-July among people between 15 and 19 years old. Some of the cases were reported after those with the virus said they had been attending large indoor and outdoor gatherings, including graduation parties and prom like events, during July.

“We need parents and young people in our community to recognize the risk they take to their own health and that of their family and friends when attending gatherings without taking precautions,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, a health officer for the Oakland County Health Division. “We can work together across our communities to contain the spread and I urge parents to be aware of activities your kids attend.”

Don't miss important updates from health and government officials on the impact of the coronavirus in Michigan. Sign up for Patch's daily newsletters and email alerts.

In Oakland County, officials said cases of the coronavirus among teens between 15 and 19 in the South Lyon area increased from three cases during late-June to mid-July to 42 from mid-July to early August.

Similar trends for that age group have been reported countywide in Livingston and Genesee counties. For Livingston County, cases increased from three cases during late-June to mid-July to 19 from mid-July to early August; in Genesee County, cases increased from 19 during late-June to mid-July to 94 from mid-July to early August, officials said

The three health departments are investigating to identify people who have potentially been exposed. Initial information has determined that many teens from Oakland, Livingston and Genesee counties attended at least six large gatherings, officials said.