Central Texas now has a new COVID-19 omicron strain; Austin Public Health advises masking once more
A new COVID-19 variation, a fresh uptick in cases, and a new year.
A surveillance system that monitors the genomic sequence in COVID-19 testing revealed on Friday that a novel omicron subvariant, XBB.1, has now been reported in Travis County.
There are five different XBB subvariant kinds in the COVID-19-causing virus' omicron variant. Austin now only has XBB.1, however even though XBB.1.5 hasn't been formally released, we should be ready for its arrival.
Due to its transmissibility, the XBB.1.5, sometimes known as the "Kraken," has been spotted in several Texas cities. Austin Public Health predicts that XBB.1.5 will appear in the water soon and indicate widespread transmission of the subvariant, despite the fact that it has not yet been found in Austin's monitoring system or in water samples, despite having been found in other parts of Texas.
According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the XBB.1.5 subvariant increased from 1% of all COVID-19 cases in the U.S. at the beginning of December to 40% by the end of the month. In the region of Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana, instances of XBB.1.5 currently account for 27.5% of cases.
What amount of COVID-19 is there nearby?
The COVID-19 transmission levels in Travis, Williamson, and Bastrop counties were raised by the CDC on Thursday from low to medium. For the past two weeks, Hays and Caldwell's counties have been in the high range. All the local counties had been at a low level for months prior to this.
The Austin-Travis County health authority, Dr. Desmar Walkes, stated that "this new subvariant is making its way into our community right as many individuals were indoors gathering with others during the winter and over the holidays." For individuals who are vulnerable, such as youngsters and the elderly, the combination of the flu and another sickness can result in serious illness.
Austin Public Health is advising everyone to wear masks when social distance cannot be achieved due to the increased level of spread, and those who are at high risk for serious problems should do so in all public areas. The advice for a region with a high degree of spread, which is masked in public for everyone, should be followed by Caldwell and Hays counties.
Since the middle of December, Austin Public Health has started enforcing masks once more in all medical facilities.
Depending on the county, transmission levels (the number of cases per 100,000 persons) range from 122.1 to 187.8, an increase from below 60 for the majority of last fall.
How many patients are receiving COVID treatment?
The number of patients with COVID-19 in hospitals has also changed. 3.6% of staffed hospital beds in Travis, Williamson, and Bastrop counties are occupied by patients with COVID-19, and there are 10.3 new COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 residents. 10% of the hospital beds in Hays and Caldwell counties are occupied by patients with COVID-19, and there are 24.1 new COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 residents.
It's crucial that we take the steps we know will reduce spread, according to Walkes. "Have signs? Take a test. If you don't feel well, stay at home. If you can't maintain your distance, cover those who are most vulnerable with a mask. Most importantly, keep your COVID-19 vaccinations current."
Due to the triple epidemic of COVID-19, the flu, and respiratory viruses like RSV, the number of available hospital beds has drastically decreased since October. Since November, there have only been three pediatric intensive care unit beds accessible in Central Texas. There is usually none. Since November, there have been between 12 and 43 adult ICU beds available.
Adrienne Sturrup, director of Austin Public Health, said, "We need to prevent another surge." "Currently, COVID-19, the flu, and different upper respiratory infections are being treated in our hospitals. If being vaccinated is on your list of resolutions for the new year, join the others to prioritize your health by adopting a healthier diet or increasing your physical activity."
Your wellbeing In Austin, cedar fever season has begun. What you should know is as follows.
What information do we have about this XBB variant?
The CDC and Austin Public Health encourage you to be aware of the following:
In the US, XBB variations have quickly displaced other subvariants. Similar things happened earlier in Europe.
The bivalent booster, often known as the updated booster, continues to offer some protection and lower the likelihood of hospitalization.
Current COVID-19 therapies, such as infusions of monoclonal antibodies, are ineffective against XBB variations. Those who have impaired immune systems should be especially concerned about this.
The same symptoms of other COVID-19 variants, including cough, congestion, tiredness, fever, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, and headaches, also characterize XBB variants.
