Week 18 Respiratory Update

An additional 17 flu cases were added to our data, bringing our total number of flu cases this season 1,276 with the majority being Type A. There are 2 weeks left in this year’s flu season. So far, this flu season, we have reported three flu deaths in the county.  

 



COVID-19 Summary: (Sara Wilton, Epidemiologist)

Recently the state of Missouri has transitioned from ‘pandemic to endemic’ regarding COVID-19 response and data collection. Therefore, some of the data previously reported will no longer be available on weekly reports. This includes vaccination data which is now only provided to local health departments monthly and negative COVID tests which are no longer reported to the state at all.

 

Because of the data collection changes at the state level, you will notice some differences in the weekly report. For example, the percentage of residents vaccinated is not available this week and the number of weekly cases that were vaccinated or unvaccinated will no longer be provided.

 

Currently, Jefferson County, MO is in the LOW COMMUNITY LEVEL (green). In the LOW level, the recommendations for individuals and households are:

·        Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters

·        Maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible

·        Follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19

·        If you are immunocompromised or high risk for severe disease

o   Have a plan for rapid testing if needed (e.g., having home tests or access to testing)

o   Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are a candidate for treatments like oral antivirals, PrEP, and monoclonal antibodies

In week 18, 185 new COVID cases were reported. This was a 36.03% increase in weekly cases compared to week 17.  As previously mentioned, vaccination data is not available for individual cases reported this week.

-        Total Cases: 53,749

-        Total Deaths: 544

o   One previously reported COVID death has been removed because the individual’s address was updated and determined to not be within Jefferson County