JACKSON COUNTY, Ill. (WJPF) — A Public Health Alert has been issued in Jackson County after a spike in COVID-19 cases among teens and young adults.

According to the Jackson County Health department, nearly 70% of COVID-19 cases reported in July have been individuals in their late teens to mid-twenties.

To prevent further spread of the virus, the health departments says young adults need to avoid parties and large gatherings, not share vaping devices, practice social distancing, wear a mask, stay home when sick, and return calls from public health officials and follow their instructions.