Weekly News From Los Alamos County
May 5, 2022
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Due to the Cerro Pelado Fire, this week's Newsletter will be abbreviated. |
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Inside this newsletter, you will find...
The Epidemiology Corner - COVID-19 Update, COVID-19 data and local resources.
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COVID-19 Update...
"The current incidence is similar to that seen in November-December 2021 during the final stages of Delta variant circulation."
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SARS-CoV-2 Variants Circulating in US
For the week ending April 30, 2002, CDC estimates that Omicron BA.2 variants account for roughly 98% of COVID-19 cases reported in the US, with roughly 37% of cases nationwide attributable to the rapidly increasing sub-variant BA.2.12.1. Increased severity or vaccine evasiveness has not as yet been observed with BA.2.12.1, which now predominates in some parts of the US, and has been associated with locally increasing case incidence and hospitalization. The most impacted area includes the states of New York and New Jersey (Region 2), where sub-variant prevalence has increased from 20% to 60% just during the month of April. BA.2.12.1 prevalence in Region 6, which includes New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma increased from 9% to 14% between the weeks ending April 25 and April 30. BA.2.12.1 is projected to become the dominant nationwide variant over the coming months due to an estimated 25% higher transmissibility over that of BA.2. See HERE.
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Paxlovid and Molnupiravir: Oral Treatments Highly Effective at Preventing Severe COVID-19
Paxlovid and molnupiravir are oral anti-viral drugs proven to be effective at preventing severe illness and hospitalization in persons at high risk due to advanced age (65+ years) or predisposing medical conditions (e.g. immunosuppression, hypertension, diabetes, cancer). For optimal effectiveness, treatment needs to start within 5 days of symptom onset. Both drugs are available in pill form and require a positive COVID-19 test and a prescription from a health care provider. Eligibility is limited to persons 12 years and older for Paxlovid and those 18 years and older for Molnupiravir. The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) urges all high-risk persons to seek testing and treatment at the first sign of even mild symptoms given the limited time window to start treatment. See HERE.
According to the NMDOH, both anti-viral drugs are available at the Smith’s Pharmacy in Los Alamos and White Rock, as well as most pharmacies in Española and Santa Fe. See HERE. Another access option is through the national Test-To-Treat program, where a person can be tested and have a prescription filled in one visit to a participating location. For information and locations see HERE. Currently, the closest Test-To-Treat locations for Los Alamos residents are the two CVS pharmacies in Santa Fe. For further information and scheduling see HERE.
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COVID-19 Incidence Trends in the County
Reported COVID-19 incidence in the county continues to undergo a gradual rebound following the rapid decline from the January Omicron BA.1 peak and subsequent March trough. Roughly 4 to 5 cases per day were reported among county residents for the last two weeks in April, compared to about 1 case per day in Mid-March. Current incidence is similar to that seen in November-December 2021 during the relatively stable final stages of Delta variant circulation.
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The recent trend of increasing incidence in the county has generally occurred in all ages. For the six-week time period March 19 - April 29, COVID-19 incidence remained modestly lower in children and youth (<20 years) compared to adults. A total of 3 cases in infants (< 5 years) and 11 cases in children 5-19 years were reported during this time period. The highest observed incidence occurred in adults aged 35-64 years (35 reported cases) during the most recent two-week time period April 16-April 29.
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NOTE: The COVID-19 incidence data reviewed here are based mainly on PCR-confirmed testing results compiled by NMDOH and may not necessarily include positive at-home antigen tests. As such, case counts may be underestimated, but by how much cannot currently be determined. To assist with more complete case monitoring in New Mexico, NMDOH provides for on-line reporting of positive at-home antigen results HERE.
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CDC COVID Data Tracker - May 5, 2022
To get today's break down of positive case data, demographics information, vaccine status and more for Los Alamos County or other counties across the United States, click HERE
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The charts available with this TOOL layout the key metrics for understanding the reach and severity of COVID-19 in a given area.
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Johns Hopkins
COVID-19 Status Report Dashboard for
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NMDOH Epidemiology Reports - Daily and Weekly Data
As part of the COVID-19 pandemic response, NMDOH collects and analyzes statewide data for COVID-19 positive cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. The reports reflect these critical data and are updated weekly - click HERE
See the daily report for New Mexico on the chart below.
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Los Alamos Vaccine & Booster Information |
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Los Alamos County Vaccine/Booster Resources
Visit the County COVID Page for information regarding vaccinations/boosters, click below:
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Testing Resources for Los Alamos County |
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Los Alamos County Testing Resources
Visit the County COVID Page for information regarding testing, click below:
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