U.S. Medical News - Vermont’s COVID-19 viral loads in wastewater rising fast
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 26, 2024 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 9 hours, 3 minutes ago
U.S. Medical News:
Infection Rates and Monitoring Efforts
For the week ending July 20, 2024, COVID-19 infection rates in Vermont have surged, marking a significant increase from earlier months and highlights a concerning trend as the virus regains a foothold in the community.
https://www.healthvermont.gov/disease-control/covid-19/covid-19-data
https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/document/COVID-19-Surveillance-report-20240724.pdf
Vermont’s COVID-19 viral loads in wastewater rising fast
Data from wastewater plants and emergency departments indicate that the virus is multiplying again, according to the Vermont Department of Health. John Davy, a health surveillance epidemiologist for the department, emphasized the importance of wastewater measurements as an indicator of COVID-19 spread. He told
U.S. Medical News journalists, "An infected person sheds into the water no matter if they’re sick or not." These measurements remained low from March to early June but have now significantly increased in July, although they have not yet reached the levels seen last winter.
Wastewater and Emergency Department Surveillance
Since early 2023, Vermont's wastewater surveillance has been crucial in monitoring COVID-19 trends. Three water treatment plants in South Burlington, Essex Junction, and Montpelier send samples to WastewaterSCAN, a research program led by scientists at Stanford University and Emory University. The latest weekly report indicates that virus concentrations are "moderately elevated" in Essex Junction and Montpelier.
https://data.wastewaterscan.org/?charts=CjIQACABSABaBk4gR2VuZXIKMjAyNC0wNi0xNHIKMjAyNC0wNy0yNooBBmZkOWMzOMABAQ%3D%3D&selectedChartId=fd9c38
https://www.wastewaterscan.org/en
https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/document/COVID-19-Surveillance-report-20240724.pdf
Davy expressed a desire for a wider geographic range of data but noted that the current wastewater data correlates closely with emergency department visits. The Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-based Epidemics (ESSENCE) program, which involves Vermont hospitals and urgent care clinics, reports the number of emergency department visits that include a COVID-19 diagnosis. This metric provides a snapshot of how cases are evolving in Vermont, showing a rise in visits since June, mirroring the increase in
wastewater detections.
Outbreaks in Nursing Homes and Low Mortality Rates
Recent weeks have seen a rise in COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes. There were 9 outbreaks in the last week in various long-term healthcare facilities. Despite this, the number of deaths from the virus remains low. There were two reported deaths in both June and early July, a significant decrease from the 29 deaths reported in January. Davy mentioned that predicting whether the virus will continue to multiply is challenging, as COVID-19 has not established a seasonal pattern similar to the flu.
Changes in tracking COVID-19 cases by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have also impacted Vermont's monitoring efforts. Davy noted that the decreased severity of the virus, while positive, has made the health department's job more difficult.
Current Case and Hospitalization Statistics
For the week ending July 20, the Vermont Department of Health reported no COVID-19-related deaths since mid-June, with the pandemic death total standing at 1,157. Hospitalizations and general "syndromic" cases remain low, with about five people being treated at Vermont hospitals each week.
The cumulative number of deaths reflects a disproportionate impact on older Vermonters, with 933 of the total 1,157 deaths occurring in residents aged 70 or older. The highest monthly death toll since November 2022 was in January 2024, with 29 deaths. Recent months have seen much lower figures, with only 2 deaths in June and none so far in July.
Understanding Variant Trends
The dominant circulating variants in Vermont are KP.2 and KP.3, according to the Vermont Department of Health Whole Genome Sequencing program. Wastewater monitoring has also identified KP.2 as the prevalent variant in the state. The variant proportions indicate that the virus continues to evolve, with KP.2 maintaining a significant presence.
Preventive Measures and Recommendations
The Vermont Department of Health continues to recommend preventive measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. These include wearing masks in crowded places, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying updated with vaccinations. The department also emphasizes the importance of staying informed about current COVID-19 trends and following public health guidelines.
Looking Ahead: The Future of COVID-19 in Vermont
As Vermont navigates this latest surge in COVID-19 cases, public health officials remain vigilant. The interplay between wastewater data, emergency department visits, and variant tracking provides a comprehensive view of the virus's trajectory. While the current rise in cases is concerning, the state's health infrastructure is better prepared to manage and respond to these fluctuations.
John Davy and his team continue to monitor the situation closely, adapting strategies as needed to protect Vermont's residents. As the pandemic evolves, so too does the approach to managing it, with a focus on minimizing impact and safeguarding public health.
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