ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Scientists said they believe COVID-19 cases and reinfections are on the rise.

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Last week, the Florida Department of Health said about 30% of reported cases in the last month were in people who were already vaccinated.

READ: Here’s where you can find COVID-19 testing in Central Florida

The department has not issued updated numbers, but doctors anticipate that percentage is higher now after the explosion of cases.

With so many people testing positive, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expected a higher number of breakthrough cases.

READ: CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky explains why agency changed COVID-19 guidelines

Those breakthrough cases typically result in mild disease or even asymptomatic infection, which doctors said shows the vaccines are working to prevent severe disease and to prevent hospitalizations and deaths.

New research shows that breakthrough cases are more common in older individuals and women. People with HIV infection, rheumatoid arthritis and solid organ transplant had a higher rate of breakthrough infection.

READ: These symptoms are most commonly linked to the omicron variant

Video: Seminole County hands out nearly 11K rapid COVID-19 test kits in about 15 minutes, officials say A COVID-19 rapid testing kit event ended early in Seminole County after thousands queued for free tests. (Q McCray, WFTV.com)

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