COVID-19 has vastly become well-known throughout the world. And, again, the numbers continue to grow in DeKalb County, Tennessee. All signs point to a late summer COVID surge. Why it matters is that we have loosened our guards since the infection first penetrated DeKalb County two years ago in 2021.
The immediate reason: New Covid variant, BA.2.86, is on the rise as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations increase. These new results have just recently been confirmed, therefore, there has yet to be a weekly snapshot of the results of the newly named BA.2.86.
The CDC data as of August 5, 2023 now shows BA.2.86 makes up an estimated 17.3% of all covid cases. To further clarify, the BA.2.86 is a new variant within the covid family. It belongs within the Covid-19 family (variant) and is not a separate disease. The two are called COVID-19.
The weekly numbers have returned and accelerated. “New COVID-19 hospitalizations are ticking up in the United States following a summer surge in the illness. Many is this country have moved on from COVID-19, but a recent increase in hospitalizations is a reminder that the coronavirus is sticking around for the long term. Relatively, pharmaceutical company Pfizer said, “The FDA’s authorization for an updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected sometime during this month. Globally reported COVID-19 cases increased 80 percent over the past month compared to the previous month,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO). “The jump in coronavirus cases is mostly fueled by reported infections reported last week from South Korea.”
And, yes, it is spreading. The BA.2.86 has been found in more than 50 countries since August 8, 2023, according to the WHO. It is the most common and fastest growing COVID-19 subvariant in the U.S., estimated to be responsible for around 17% of current cases, according to the CDC.
Initially, the last COVID-19 County Data Snapshot was released by the TN. Department of Health on August 5, 2023. The sudden increase of COVID-19 is in conjunction with a new variant, BA.2.86. It is imperative that all persons remember that the above two variants have the same symptoms and have the same booster vaccination, which will be made available to the general public in mid – late September, 2023. Currently, the vaccine is still undergoing testing trials and will not be available until October, 2023.
The August 5, 2023 DeKalb County COVID Snapshot totals are as follows:
CASES: 7,930
HOSPITALIZED: 153 DEATHS: 116
The Thursday, August 17, 2023 DeKalb County COVID totals are as follows. Please remember there has been an increase of almost 15 positive cases; two hospitalizations; and no change in deaths.
CASES: 7,945 (up 15)
HOSPITALIZATIONS: 153 (up 2)
DEATHS: 116 (no change)
To date, DeKalb County has 38,701.8 cases per 100,000 residents. Over the last seven days (7/30 – 8/5) DeKalb County had a daily case rate of 5.6 cases per 100,000 residents per day. Regarding testing, over the last seven days, the average percent positive results was 9.1 percent. These numbers all will steadily increase. There are two reasons for the increase in COVID-19: the decline in testing and staying indoors because of the weather. Also included are some persons wanting immunity, such as with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, which I have had since 1984.
As of July 19, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) lists EG.5 as a variant “under monitoring.” At the current time, experts said, “It should not be worrisome but a sign of good surveillance.”
“The CDC” according to CNN, “has a booster, coming in the Fall is based on XBB and will be available in Fall, 2023 when COVID cases and hospitalizations typically increase. because the variant discovery just occurred.
Dated August 8, 2023 (less than one-week ago), the following statement was released to the general public: “COVID hospitalizations increase for third (3RD) week straight. The increase comes as a new coronavirus variant BA.2.86 is now the most prominent strain circulating in the United States.”
“Nearly 1.5 million infections were reported from this past July 10 to August 6, the U.N. health agency said in its weekly report, published this past Thursday. South Korea is mostly driving the increase in reported cases – more than 1.2 million infections this past month.”
According to WHO, the prevalence of BA.2.86 globally more than doubled from June to July, 2023, increasing the cases from 8% to more than 17%. The U.S. is also seeing an increase in hospitalizations. The BA.2.86 is an omicron subvariant. Most of the COVID-19 strains are identical systematically: “There’s no change in BA.2.86 symptoms right now. So far, the eight symptoms look very similar to the standard omicron symptoms. They include:
· Cough
· Sore throat
· Runny nose
· Sneezing
· Fatigue
· Headaches
· Muscle aches
· Altered sense of smell
Furthermore, all COVID-19 tests can detect BA.2.86. Also, certain groups are at highest risk of developing severe illness or complications, including persons over age 65, those who are immunity-compromised or have underlying medical conditions.
Currently, in addition to staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, the experts emphasize taking precautions and protect yourself while curbing transmission of the diseases, including:
· Washing your hands with soap and water frequently.
· Staying home when sick
· Avoiding contact with sick people
· Improving ventilation
· Wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces
· Covering coughs and sneezes
To reiterate, “The BA.2.86 variant is now the dominant strain in the United States,” broadcast Today.com. The New York Times encapsulated writing, “The variant was identified in China in February 2023 and was first detected in the United States in April, 2023 – four months ago. It is a descendant of the Omicron variant XBB.1.9.2. and has one notable mutation that helps it to evade antibiotics developed by the immune system in response to earlier variants and vaccines.”
And, yes, a new vaccine for BA.2.86 variant will soon be available in DeKalb County, local pharmacist Paula Blankenship Roller said that according to her medical sources, the vaccine won’t be available until October, 2023.
To encapsulate the CDC, the continuing treatment for this new variant, BA.2.86, is the exact same as it is for the COVID-19. And, it is moving fast! On Thursday, the CDC named the subvariant EG.5. The following day, Friday, they renamed it BA.2.86.
If you want the shot – fine.
If you don’t want the shot – fine.
I’m tired of trying to make one person understand the simple difference and life-saving importance of being vaccinated.