Omicron variant BA.5 is now the most dominant strain of COVID-19 in Oregon. This strain is again more contagious than prior strains. Some studies show it may be possible to spread infection just by walking by someone. On Friday, July 8th, Dr. Dean Sidelinger with the Oregon Health Authority shared an updated case report with the county public health agencies. He said COVID-19 cases are hovering around 1,500 over the prior 7 days and estimated that there are 30 more cases for every one known positive COVID-19 case.
There were 100 newly reported cases in the week between July 3 and July 9, 2022 in Lincoln County. Oregon Health Authority estimates there are 3000 active cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County due to underreporting. Hospitalizations have been increasing at the state level with 458 reported today. In Lincoln County there were 10 hospitalized in June, and one so far in July. It is recommended that those over 50 or those with health risks should get a second booster shot if you have not gotten one yet.
NO MONKEY POX FOUND IN LINCOLN COUNTY
Monkeypox in humans, or hMPXV, has emerged as a new public health threat in the United States and Oregon. Fortunately, it is not nearly as contagious as COVID-19, there is a vaccine and treatment, and you can take steps to protect yourself from getting the virus. No cases of Monkeypox have been reported in Lincoln County. In Oregon, there are 11 total cases – 1 in Clackamas county, 4 in Lane county, 4 in Multnomah county and 2 in Washington county.
Monkeypox is spread through:
direct contact with an infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
touching objects, fabrics (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the rash or body fluids of someone with monkeypox
being scratched or bitten by an infected animal
While COVID-19 passed easily from person to person, monkeypox does not spread as easily between people. Monkeypox transmission typically requires skin-to-skin contact, direct contact with body fluids, or prolonged face-to-face contact.
Monkeypox can be acquired by all people, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. The virus causes a rash and can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This can take several weeks. Treatment of Monkeypox:
There is a vaccine for monkeypox.
Monkeypox can be treated with available antiviral medicines.
