Coronavirus cases in Oklahoma rise by 158, deaths up by 5

There are 158 new coronavirus cases in Oklahoma and five additional deaths due to COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported Tuesday.

There have been at least 7,363 confirmed cases and 353 deaths in the state, up from 7,205 cases and 348 deaths reported Monday. The actual number of people who have contracted a virus is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.

The department also reported 148 people currently hospitalized after either testing positive for the virus or under investigation for infection.

A total of 6,073 people have recovered from the illness, according to the department.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the highly contagious virus can cause severe symptoms and be fatal. The vast majority of people recover.