Sick? It’s no COVID
comeback
Staff writer
Recent illnesses in the county including cancellation of classes for two days at Centre prompted some to wonder whether COVID-19 had returned.
Krista Schneider, Marion County health department director, said a return of COVID-19 was not responsible.
“The schools and agencies report the majority of current cases are from influenza A, with a smaller number of strep and influenza B cases, and some respiratory syncytial virus infections, particularly among younger children,” she said.
Schneider consulted with infection preventionists at local hospitals as well as representatives from two Marion County school districts.
“COVID-19 does not appear to currently be the driver of illness locally,” she said. “Providers have also been noticing instances of dual infections, such as patients testing positive for both influenza and strep throat at the same time.”
A few weeks ago, Centre schools had to close for two days because of a high number of illnesses, including what was believed to be COVID.
Since then, chool districts have been looking into their buildings to make them safe and healthy
“We are monitoring it and will continue to have school if we have enough staff to cover for classes,” Marion-Florence superintendent Justin Wasmuth said.
Wasmuth said enhanced cleaning of buildings had been taking place the last couple of weeks and would continue over the next few weeks.
The county health department does not maintain data for influenza, RSV, or COVID-19 because these are not state-required reportable diseases, Schneider said.
However, regional data from south-central Kansas providers indicate influenza activity appears to have peaked during the week that ended Jan. 31.
Schneider spoke to Allison Zaldivar, senior epidemiologist with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
Zaldivar told Schneider RSV activity had been trending upward.
“Unfortunately, influenza vaccination rates among Kansans have steadily declined since the 2020–2021 flu season,” Zaldivar said. “That may contribute to increased community spread and more severe outcomes. “
Schneider encourages residents to take practical steps to protect themselves and others during respiratory illness season.
She advises residents to stay up-to-date on vaccinations, including annual flu shots. The shots significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
Washing hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, and avoiding close contact with others when sick are common precautions, she said.
People who are ill should stay home from work or school until fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, she said.
She urged people to seek medical care immediately if symptoms worsen or they are at high risk for complications.
“These steps are important to reduce spread and help protect vulnerable populations, like children, older adults, and the immunocompromised,” Schneider said.