Oklahoma Highway Patrol Captain Passes Away From Coronavirus
OKLAHOMA CITY (CBSDFW.COM/AP) - An Oklahoma Highway Patrol captain has become the first trooper in the state to die of COVID-19.
Capt. Jeffery Sewell, 58, of Atoka died Saturday at a Denison, Texas, hospital where he had been treated for the virus for about three weeks, OHP spokesperson Sarah Stewart said Tuesday.
Stewart said it was not clear how Sewell contracted the virus and that no other troopers have died, but 12 others have been infected.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 1,025 new virus cases Tuesday, and 11 more deaths due to COVID-19, bringing the totals to 86,219 cases and 1,018 deaths, up from 85,194 cases and 1,007 deaths reported Monday.
The actual number of cases in Oklahoma is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks.
For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)