January 11, 2023
Kirksville, MO 1/11/23 –Reported cases of COVID-19 and the seasonal flu fell in Adair County for the third consecutive week. The Adair County Health Department received reports of 24 new cases of COVID-19 for the seven-day period from Jan. 4 through Jan. 10, 2023, down from 33 cases during the previous reporting period. Reported cases of Influenza A dropped to 18 from 30.
Both numbers reflect what is reported to the Health Department, either by laboratory testing for either virus or by residents self-reporting positive results from home COVID-19 tests. Residents whose home test results read positive are encouraged to call the Health Department to report results and receive recommendations regarding isolation and measures to avoid spreading the virus.
The Adair County Health Department urges individuals and families to make plans for slowing the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Plans should include monitoring symptoms of any of the viruses and staying home if you exhibit any of them until you have seen your healthcare provider.
Be prepared to change travel plans if you are ill or if you will be visiting family or friends susceptible to severe risks of these viruses. Wear masks in crowded indoor spaces and wash your hands frequently to mitigate the risk of contracting a virus or spreading it.
Surveillance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as of Jan. 7, 2023, indicate a steep rise in the percentage of infections caused by the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant in the northeastern portion of the United States. The subvariant is likely to move west in the coming weeks. XBB.1.5 has resulted in increased numbers of severe illness, hospitalization, and death among those who have not been fully vaccinated and boosted or do not have immunity from prior COVID-19 infections.
The Adair County Health Department recommends residents be fully vaccinated and boosted to protect themselves and others from infection and serious disease. The Health Department administers COVID-19 bivalent boosters for residents ages 12 and older from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesdays while vaccine supplies last. The Health Department also continues administering the seasonal flu vaccine to those ages three and older. Parents of residents under age 12 should contact their child’s doctor or pharmacy about getting COVID-19 vaccines.
To obtain information about slowing the spread of respiratory illnesses or to schedule a COVID-19 or flu vaccine, call the Adair County Health Department at 660-665-8491.
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