Minnesota sees non-stop steady rise of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations over the last ten weeks
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 23, 2024 3 weeks, 1 hour, 50 minutes ago
U.S. Medical News:
COVID-19 Hospitalizations on the Rise
COVID-19 activity in Minnesota has been steadily increasing over the last eight weeks, with the number of hospitalizations continuing to climb. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, 218 Minnesotans were admitted to hospitals statewide with COVID-19 in the week ending August 3. (This is the most recent official data available).
https://www.apmresearchlab.org/covid/mn-key-data#hospitalizations
Minnesota sees non-stop steady rise of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations
over the last nine weeks
However according to local hospitals and doctors, infections and hospitalizations are continuing to rise and numbers have not dropped nor stabilized making it more than 9 weeks since COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations are continuously rising across the state.)
Preliminary data from the health department also verifies this trend but they have yet to release the official data yet.
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/stats/hosp.html
This trend that began in early June when only 58 people were hospitalized is now starting to overwhelm the local hospitals and healthcare staff.
While the current numbers are still lower than the peak periods seen earlier in the pandemic, the upward trajectory is reminiscent of last summer's surge. That wave, which began slightly later in the year, lasted five months and saw weekly hospitalizations peak at over 600. The current situation has prompted concern among health officials, who are closely monitoring the developments.
Various
U.S. Medical News coverages and reports also show that just like other states across the America, residents in Minnesota seeking outpatient services for respiratory symptoms at various hospitals and clinics are increasing at very high rates
Older Adults Hit Hardest by the Surge
As has been the case throughout the pandemic, older adults are disproportionately affected by the recent rise in COVID-19 cases. More than one-quarter of the 218 hospitalizations reported in the week ending August 3 were among Minnesotans aged 85 or older. Given that this age group represents only about 116,000 people in the state, their hospitalization rate is alarmingly high - 50 per 100,000, the highest of any age group in Minnesota.
This stark statistic underscores the vulnerability of the elderly population, even as the overall severity of the disease has diminished somewhat for younger age groups. The rise in hospitalizations among older adults serves as a reminder that COVID-19 remains a serious threat, particularly for those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.
COVID-19 Mortality Remains Relatively Low,
But Concerns Grow
While the rise in hospitalizations is concerning, COVID-19-related deaths in Minnesota have not yet shown a significant increase. In the most recent week with finalized data, which ended on July 20, nine Minnesotans died with COVID-19. However, preliminary data suggests that this may be changing. The Minnesota Department of Health has indicated that twice as many deaths were caused at least in part by COVID-19 in the week ending August 3, pointing to a potential increase in mortality rates in the coming weeks. (Actual data since July 20
th not ready yet..its takes them days to count every 1 corpse!)
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/stats/death.html
This trend is being closely monitored, as any rise in COVID-19 deaths would signal a worsening of the current situation. Public health experts continue to emphasize the importance of vaccination and other preventive measures to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further loss of life.
Wastewater Data Signals Further Challenges Ahead
Adding to the growing concerns, wastewater data - a leading indicator of COVID-19 activity shows that Minnesota may be headed for more trouble in the weeks to come.
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/stats/death.html
The University of Minnesota's ongoing Wastewater Surveillance Study released data last Friday showing that early August COVID-19 measurements statewide have reached levels not seen since January. That period coincided with the state’s last major peak in COVID-related hospitalizations, suggesting that a similar surge could be on the horizon.
The timing of this upswing in COVID-19 activity is particularly worrisome, as it aligns with the approach of major public gatherings. Minnesotans are set to gather in large numbers for events such as the State Fair and the start of the fall academic calendar, both of which could contribute to further spread of the virus.
Looking Ahead
As Minnesota navigates this latest phase of the pandemic, the situation remains fluid. The increasing hospitalizations, particularly among older adults, and the potential rise in COVID-19-related deaths underscore the ongoing threat posed by the virus. With large gatherings on the horizon and wastewater data indicating a possible surge, the state faces a critical period in its battle against COVID-19.
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/iowa-s-covid-19-positivity-rate-soars-to-20-7-percent
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/california-s-covid-19-positivity-rates-hits-14-7-percent-while-wastewater-viral-loads-are-at-alarming-record-levels
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