COVID-19 cases rising rapidly in Mississippi

COVID-19 circumstances in Mississippi have elevated quickly over the previous two weeks, although general numbers nonetheless stay low.

Mississippi has seen the most important proportion improve within the nation for brand new COVID-19 circumstances over that point interval, in line with native and state well being company knowledge compiled by the New York Occasions. Mississippi’s circumstances elevated 251% in comparison with 59% nationally. 

The state most lately reported 701 new circumstances of the virus for a two-day interval (Wednesday and Thursday).

“We do have transmission, there isn’t any doubt,” Liz Sharlot, communications director at Mississippi Division of Well being, mentioned. “COVID continues to be right here and our greatest recommendation is to get vaccinated when you’ve got not, get your booster and second booster in case you are eligible. Our concern stays with aged of us that don’t get the second booster. It does make a distinction.”

Even with the current elevated transmission, 80 of Mississippi’s 82 counties have low ranges  of COVID-19 on the neighborhood degree, in line with Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) knowledge. 

Jasper and Wilkinson counties are experiencing “medium degree transmission.” At that degree, the CDC recommends that individuals at excessive threat for extreme sickness speak to their well being care supplier about whether or not they should put on a masks and take different precautions. 

The general charge of COVID-19 transmission in Mississippi cratered following the explosive omicron wave seen in January, however has been rising once more over the previous month. Mississippi’s 7-day common for brand new circumstances was 104 on April 12, however had risen to 337 as of Could 12. 

There was an uptick in outbreaks amongst long-term care amenities, which state well being officers mentioned may very well be an indicator of elevated neighborhood unfold. 

Precise numbers are probably larger due to the elevated use of at-home testing that goes unreported to the state well being division.

The omicron variant nonetheless accounts for just about all COVID circumstances in Mississippi. 

Mississippi stays one of many least vaccinated states within the nation. The one state that has vaccinated much less of its inhabitants is Wyoming. 

As of Could 11, 60% of Mississippians had acquired not less than one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, whereas 52% had acquired not less than two doses. The state has had extra problem getting vaccinated individuals to obtain booster does. Solely 19% of the state’s inhabitants has acquired not less than one booster dose, representing lower than a 3rd of those that have taken a COVID-19 vaccine within the state. 

The biggest share of current COVID deaths within the state is amongst those that haven’t been vaccinated or are solely partially vaccinated. That group made up over 47% of COVID-19 deaths within the state from April 12 to Could 9, whereas totally vaccinated Misssissippians made up 17% of deaths in that interval. 

Though the state’s charge of hospitalizations has decreased as case counts have risen, these charges are a lagging indicator. The well being division  mentioned using intensive care unit beds and ventilators for COVID sufferers stays low. 

The provision of oral antiviral remedies for COVID-19, equivalent to Paxlovid and molnupiravir, has elevated dramatically in Mississippi since January and has helped scale back hospitalizations.