The number of COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations are all rising drastically, according to the Warren County Health Department.

At the beginning of this week there were more than 400 active cases in Warren County, according to health department data. That’s almost triple the number of active cases from a month ago.

Eight deaths of Warren County residents are now attributed to COVID-19. Since the first death was reported at the end of September, the total number of identified cases this year has shot up from 525 to more than 1,200.

Warren County Health Department Administrator Ruth Walters said at least 16 local COVID patients were in the hospital as of last week, which also saw the worst single-day growth of cases with 56 in one day. Walters said the Missouri health department has identified Warren County as a hotspot based the number of cases and ER visits.

“Cases are from infants to older adults, and most continue to be from gatherings,” Walters said. “We need to be mindful of our behaviors and not let our guard down.”

Walters said the hospitalizations thus far have been older adults, some of whom did not have any underlying health conditions before becoming seriously ill. She said the rising number of cases could lead to increasing hospitalizations.

Carly Smith, a spokesperson for SSM Health St. Joseph  West Hospital in Lake St. Louis, said rising cases in the region have been a challenge for multiple hospitals.

“Much like most hospitals in the St. Louis Metropolitan area, SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital – Lake Saint Louis has seen a rise in both high-acuity and COVID-19 patients. This has led to obstacles including space and staffing,” Smith said. “Our employees continue to rise to the challenges we are facing to provide exceptional patient care. We also have surge plans in place and reevaluate them regularly.”

Community members can support healthcare workers by wearing masks and social distancing to help bring COVID-19 numbers back down, Smith stated.

As things stand, health professionals are worried that the current spike in cases will only be worsened going into the holidays.

“The uptick in cases is a concern because as we go into this season, we have more events and people are getting together as if we do not have a pandemic,” Walters said, commenting that weddings, parties, barbecues and even outdoor group activities have so far been connected to the spread of COVID.

In neighboring St. Charles County, health officials are going so far as to recommend people avoid large family gatherings, only gather in small, spaced out groups, and wear masks for the duration of any gathering.

To help local churches and businesses that may have been exposed to COVID, the Warren County Health Department is offering use of specialized disinfectant sprayers purchases using federal COVID relief funding. More information on the devices can be provided by calling the health department at 636-456-7474.

Walters is also asking as many people as possible to seek flu vaccinations this year to reduce the worry of concurrent viral outbreaks. The health department is providing free flu shots Nov. 23, 8:30-11:30 a.m., at 3920 N. Highway 47.