Reported coronavirus cases in Arkansas rise by 549

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The number of reported coronavirus cases increased by 549 in Arkansas on Sunday while the number of deaths due to COVID-19, the illness caused by the disease, stayed the same, according to the Arkansas Department of Health.

There are a reported 73,690 confirmed cases of the virus, up from 73,141 cases reported Saturday. The number of deaths remained at 1,181, the figure reported on Saturday. The number of deaths includes both confirmed and probable cases.

The actual number of cases in Arkansas is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.

The department reported 6,256 confirmed active cases of the virus in the state and that 67,853 people have recovered.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and a cough 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.