Denton County is tracking a significant increase in COVID-19 cases because of the omicron variant, and officials say one age group is showing a disproportionate increase in the number of people affected.
Public Health Director Matt Richardson presented data to Denton County Commissioners showing that cases among people in their 20's went up more than 100 percent in just one week.
"The 20-year-olds...the 20 through 29 had a huge increase - 294 cases to 635. Not sure how to explain that except kids coming home from college, possibly," Richardson said. "Regardless of explanation you can see the effects. It's really a surprising number. 30 years olds, again...a big increase. 40 year olds...a big increase."
He notes that for those age 50 and up, the number of new cases drops off dramatically. That applies up through people ages 80 and up. He believes it's likely due to increased precautions and higher vaccination rates among those groups.
"As the vaccination rates have increased, you're going to see the increase in omicron cases...the trend is not as dramatic," he said.
Richardson is urging younger adults to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
"Our older population seems to be well-protected. I think there is room for improvement in our younger populations," he said.
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