ASHEVILLE, NC –  June 19, 2024 – The winter surge of respiratory infections, like COVID-19, influenza and RSV, has passed. However, over the past 3 years, COVID-19 infections have also surged in August. Therefore, the weekly update will continue to report on COVID-19 and restart influenza and RSV updates in the fall.

The CDC’s COVID Dashboard for the week ending on June 8^th shows:  

• 1-9 of the deaths in North Carolina were due to COVID, the lowest level of 6 groups.
• Emergency department visits for COVID-19 are minimal in North Carolina, less than 1% of all visits

Wastewater monitoring can be used to provide early warning for COVID outbreaks. The Buncombe & Henderson counties wastewater data on the North Carolina COVID Dashboard for the week ending on June 5^th shows:

• The number of viral gene copies in each water sample is between 20-40%, the 2^nd lowest level of 5 groups.
• The 15-day rate of change of the number of viral gene copies in each water sample has increased from the previous week to between 1% to 9%, the lowest level of 3 groups with a positive rate of change.

 

Listen to the full report below:

 

 

Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour

 

BUNCOMBE COUNTY – May 29, 2024 –  According to a May 29^th press release, the Buncombe County Department of Public Health confirmed an outbreak of 5 cases of whooping cough since late April. All the cases have been in children. A whooping cough outbreak is defined as 3 related cases that are not in the same household.

The Henderson County Department of Public Health had reported their first case of whooping cough this year on April 3^rd. By early May, there had been 74 cases of whooping cough in Henderson County. Most of the cases are in school-aged children. This is the largest Henderson County outbreak for whooping cough in 7 years when there was a total of 95 cases.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can cause serious problems, especially in babies. It is caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. The infection affects the airways and the lungs. The bacteria can spread by being close to an infected person who sneezes or coughs. Whooping cough peaks in summer and fall.

After exposure to the pertussis bacteria, it may take 5 to 10 days to begin showing common cold-like symptoms, with a runny nose, low-grade fever, and mild cough (except in babies). 1-2 weeks after the symptoms begin, infected persons may develop violent coughing fits that usually last 1-6 weeks. The illness is commonly called whooping cough because of the high-pitched “whoop” sound at the end of the coughing fit, when a person breathes in. Once the coughing fit lessens, recovery may take 2-3 weeks.

The highest at-risk group are unvaccinated babies under a year old. Almost one-half of this group is hospitalized. Babies and young children may have difficulty breathing and can turn blue from lack of oxygen. Complications include pneumonia, breathing difficulties, brain infection, and convulsions. Most deaths from whooping cough are in infants too young to be fully vaccinated.

Other high-risk groups include: adults with pulmonary problems like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. The intense coughing spells can result in loss of bladder control, vomiting, headaches, light-headedness, weight loss, and rib fractures from intense coughing.

Early diagnosis and treatment are very important to keep the disease from spreading. You should see your health care provider even if you have been exposed to someone with the illness. Like other respiratory diseases, you can help reduce the spread by staying home when sick, washing your hands frequently, and covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.

Antibiotics should be started immediately once the diagnosis is made or exposure is confirmed. Starting antibiotics after 3 weeks of symptoms will not be effective, because the bacteria are no longer active in the body.

The best way to protect against whooping cough is to get vaccinated. The CDC recommends vaccination for all at-risk groups starting at 2 months old. Booster shots are encouraged for teens and adults every 8-10 years to boost immunity. People can still get sick if they are vaccinated, but usually not as severe as unvaccinated individuals. You can contact your health care provider to obtain a vaccination or go to the Buncombe County Immunization Clinic at 40 Coxe Avenue in Asheville. To schedule an appointment, call 828-250-5096.

The Buncombe County Public Health Department is trying to contain the outbreak by identifying those people who have been exposed to the illness and by providing guidance. Public Health Director Ellis Matheson said in the release, “With the community spread of whooping cough in the region and multiple confirmed cases now in Buncombe County, we urge individuals and families to protect themselves and others. Vaccination remains the best defense and can also reduce the severity of the illness.”

 

Listen to the full report below:

 

 

Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]

More Posts for Show: Asheville FM News Hour