Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 30, 2024 1 month, 4 weeks, 3 hours, 5 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: Hawaii is currently experiencing a significant uptick in COVID-19 cases, with new variants contributing to the rise. The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has reported consecutive increases in COVID-19 positivity rates over the past five weeks. This trend has raised concerns among health officials and the public alike. In this
COVID-19 News report, we delve into the factors behind the surge, the implications for public health, and the measures being recommended to mitigate the spread.
Hawaii Department of Health Warns of Rising COVID-19 Cases
Pic Credit: Mike Blake/Reuters
Rising Positivity Rates
Over the past month, Hawaii has seen a marked increase in COVID-19 positivity rates. Health officials reported an average positivity rate of 10.5% this week, up from 8.5% the previous week. This is a significant rise from May 1, when the rate was at 4.3%. This continuous increase has been attributed to the emergence of new variants of the virus, collectively referred to as the "FLiRT" variants.
The Emergence of FLiRT Variants
The FLiRT variants, including KP.1.1, KP.2, and KP.3, have been present in Hawaii since mid-April. These variants are descendants of JN.1, which was the dominant strain in the United States earlier this year. According to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, these mutations potentially make the variants more immune-evasive by enhancing their ability to bind to cells. This could drive a new wave of COVID-19 cases during the summer months.
https://health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/files/2024/05/variant_report_20240520.pdf
DOH's New Respiratory Disease Dashboard
To better monitor and inform the public about the spread of respiratory diseases, the DOH has launched a new Respiratory Disease Activity dashboard. This tool, developed by the department’s Disease Outbreak Control Division, provides a snapshot of current respiratory disease activity statewide, including COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease-types/respiratory-viruses/
Currently, the dashboard indicates that COVID-19 is at a yellow, or medium, activity level, meaning the virus is circulating at higher levels than historical trends would predict. In contrast, flu and RSV remain at green, or low, activity levels, and overall acute respiratory disease is also at a medium level.
Implications for Public Health
State Epidemiologist Dr Sarah Kemble emphasized the importance of the new dashboard in helping residents make
informed health decisions. "This week, the dashboard shows that COVID-19 test positivity is higher than expected and climbing," Dr Kemble said. "ED (emergency department) visits and hospital admissions for COVID-19 are also going up. Based on this information, I would recommend checking whether you’ve had the 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine, and if not, or if you’re eligible for a repeat dose, go get it today."
CDC Recommendations
In light of the rising cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended an additional dose of the current COVID-19 vaccines for Americans aged 65 and older who received one in the fall. This recommendation is part of broader efforts to enhance immunity among vulnerable populations as new variants continue to spread.
Wastewater Data and Hospitalizations
CDC’s wastewater data corroborates the rising levels of the coronavirus in Hawaii, indicating a high level of viral presence. State hospitalizations have also surged, with 55 COVID-19 patients reported on May 22, up from 27 two weeks prior.
Measures to Mitigate the Spread
Health officials continue to stress the importance of preventive measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. These include:
-Staying home if sick: Avoid participating in activities if you are feeling unwell and ensure you are fever-free for at least 24 hours before resuming normal activities.
-Wearing masks indoors: If you have or are recovering from COVID-19 symptoms, wear a mask to protect others from getting sick.
-Testing for COVID-19: Regular testing can help identify if you need treatment and prevent further transmission.
Conclusion
The rise in COVID-19 cases in Hawaii, driven by the new FLiRT variants, underscores the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic. The DOH's new Respiratory Disease Activity dashboard is a crucial tool for monitoring the spread of the virus and helping residents make informed health decisions. By following recommended preventive measures, staying updated on vaccinations, and utilizing available data, the community can work together to mitigate the impact of this latest surge.
For the latest updates and detailed information about the situation in Hawaii, residents are encouraged to visit the DOH's new dashboard and stay informed about the evolving situation.
For the latest
COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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