COVID-19 cases number 12 in two-week timespan

The Atchison County Health Department was notified of 12 cases of COVID-19 during the weeks of February 27 through March 13, 2022:

1 female, 3 males – ages 0-9

2 females – ages 10-19

1 female – age 40-49

1 female, 2 males – ages 50-59

1 female, 1 male – ages 80+

Atchison County Health Department Administrator Julie Livengood said, “We are saddened to report a COVID-19-related death of a male in his 50s. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.”

As of March 13, there have been 1,435 total cases of COVID-19 and 24 deaths in Atchison County. Four cases are currently active cases. There are zero active COVID-19 hospitalizations in our local hospital. Our current 7-day testing positivity rate (PCR and antigen) is 16%.

BREAKTHROUGH CASES

Vaccine breakthrough infection is a COVID-19 case that occurs in someone who is fully vaccinated. Atchison County breakthrough cases as of March 13, 2022, is 358. Fully vaccinated persons as of March 10, 2022, total 2,881. To date, 12.4% of fully vaccinated persons in Atchison County have tested positive for COVID-19 and are considered to be breakthrough cases.

COVID VACCINATIONS STILL AVAILABLE

COVID-19 vaccinations are still available in Atchison County:

• Atchison County Health Center, Tarkio: Appointments available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 660-736-4121 for an appointment.

• Rogers Pharmacy, Tarkio: Call 660-736-5512 for an appointment.

• Stoner Drug, Rock Port: Call 660-744-2433 for an appointment.

COVID-19 VACCINATION RATES

Atchison County has continued to rank in the top 10 since the state started tracking. For total population, Atchison County is ranked eighth in the state with 56% of residents completing vaccinations and ranked ninth in the state with 58.3% of residents receiving at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. In total, 6,531 doses have been given in Atchison County.

COVID-19 TESTING

Atchison County Health Department has rapid antigen testing available again. The center also has PCR tests and can receive results within 24 hours. Call for an appointment.

FLU SHOTS STILL AVAILABLE

Getting an annual flu vaccination is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Everyone six months of age and older should get a flu vaccination every season. Atchison County Health Department has flu vaccines available for children and adults. Appointments are available Monday through Thursday. If any businesses are interested in hosting a flu vaccination clinic, call 660-736-4121.

H5N1 BIRD FLU POSES LOW RISK TO PUBLIC

To date, highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses (“H5N1 bird flu viruses”) have been detected in U.S. wild birds in 14 states and in commercial and backyard poultry in 13 states, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspective Service (APHIS). Based on available epidemiologic and virologic information about these viruses, CDC believes that the risk to the general public’s health from current H5N1 bird flu viruses is low; however, some people may have job-related or recreational exposures to birds that put them at higher risk of infection. CDC is watching this situation closely and taking routine preparedness and prevention measures in case this virus changes to pose a greater human health risk.

Right now, the H5N1 bird flu situation is primarily an animal health issue. The U.S. Department of Interior and USDA APHIS are the lead federal agencies for this situation. They are respectively responsible for outbreak investigation and control of bird flu in wild birds and in domestic birds (poultry). USDA has publicly posted the genetic sequences of several of the recently detected U.S. H5N1 bird flu viruses. These viruses are from clade 2.3.4.4b, which is the most common H5N1 bird flu virus worldwide at this time. Comparing information about these newer viruses to previously circulating H5N1 bird flu viruses helps inform the human health risk assessment. More information can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/spotlights/2021-2022/h5n1-low-risk-public.htm.

COVID-19 IN ATCHISON COUNTY

3-13-22

FATALITIES 24

ACTIVE CASES 4

CASES REMOVED

FROM ISOLATION 1,407

TOTAL CASES 1,435

MALE 666

FEMALE 769

UNDER 20 YEARS 283

21-29 YEARS 168

30-39 YEARS 215