West Plains, MO – Howell County Health Department Director, Chris Gilliam has announced that the Department has received notification of the first confirmed COVID-19 test has subtyped as the Delta variant, in Howell County. The health department reports that it was their assumption that some of the more recent testing would bear out the presence of the Delta variant in the county, but that the confirmed result from MODHSS was significant.
Gilliam added that he firmly believes that the presence of new Delta variant in the county should be cause for concern for the local community, especially those who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. He states his concern with the Delta variant is based primarily on three factors. “First, recent studies on the Delta variant (B.167.2) indicate that it is between 50% and 60% more transmissible than the original COVID-19 strain.” In other words, exposed, unvaccinated individuals will be much more likely to contract the Delta variant of COVID-19 than with other previous strains. More people will be getting sick after being exposed. The virus, which was first identified in India, quickly became the dominant strain in Great Britain, has now spread very rapidly around the world. It is on track to becoming the dominant strain globally. Some experts have stated that current indications have led them to believe that Delta will become the dominant variant in the U.S by mid-August.
“Secondly”, Gilliam reports, “Research has shown that the mutations that have occurred within the original virus has allowed the Delta variant to replicate more quickly than with previous strains. We know that the faster a virus can replicate, the more quickly it can shift in an attempt to evade the body’s defense system. Finally, recent research indicates that the Delta variant could be more resistant to vaccines. Fortunately, the current vaccines on the market have been proven effective against the Delta variant.”
The health department wants to strongly encourage county residents who are 12 or older, to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19. For those who have taken the wait and see approach to being vaccinated, now is the time to act. There are a number of area local providers who offer the vaccine, at no charge to the patient. If anyone is having difficulty in locating the COVID-19 vaccine they can call the health department at 417/256-7078 for assistance.
The reporting and tracking of adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine has proven that the vaccine is safe and effective. Some complications have been reported with the 3.5 billion vaccinations given to date, but only in a very small percentage of those vaccinated.
The current Howell County vaccination rate stands at only 17.6%, one of the lowest in the State. The State’s vaccination rate is currently a 38.75%. Nationally, approximately 47% of eligible population has been vaccinated.
Director Gilliam adds, “Don’t take our word for it, ask your family physician about getting vaccinated.” The American Medical Association reported earlier this month that 96% of practicing physicians in this country have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Of the 4% who remain unvaccinated, 45% intend to be fully vaccinated. This is a reflection of the fact that approximately 98% of physicians are in agreement that COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended.
The Howell County Health Department offers COVID-19 vaccinations by scheduled appointment during business hours, Monday thru Thursday and walk-ins are accepted every Friday, no appointment necessary.
