UK variant of COVID-19 detected in Allamakee County; Cases rising again

Virus variant found in pair of area youth; County has second highest overall positivity rate in the state

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has notified Allamakee County Public Health (ACPH) of two confirmed cases of the COVID-19 variant SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7. in Allamakee County. The virus variant is often referred to as the “UK variant” because it was first detected in the United Kingdom.

Based on epidemiologic and modeling data, researchers believe that the B.1.1.7 strain can be spread more easily than the original strain of SARS-CoV-2. Current COVID-19 vaccines are considered to be effective against the variant strain.

These two variant cases were detected in two individuals aged 0-17 years old, although public health officials are not allowed to disclose location specifics of such cases. IDPH and ACPH have processes in place to contact these cases to understand their exposures and initiate the health monitoring process. The process includes notifying anyone with whom these individuals have been in close contact. The individuals are advised to isolate in accordance with IDPH and CDC guidance.

The positive cases were identified by the State Hygienic Lab (SHL) through routine analysis of genetic sequence data. Allamakee County Public Health officials further explained that the State Hygienic Lab has been “spot-testing” for virus variants since they emerged earlier this year and the Lab’s more recent testing resulted in the detection of the two area variant cases.

“Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time. Sometimes new variants emerge and disappear. Other times, new variants emerge and persist. Multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been documented in the United States and globally during this pandemic. Public health will continue to work with our partners at SHL to monitor these trends and it is very important that we all keep practicing good public health protective measures,” shared Dr. Caitlin Pedati, State Medical Director and Epidemiologist.

The emergence of new variants underscores that it remains critical for all Iowans to continue the mitigation efforts that are known to work to slow the spread of COVID-19:

• Wear a mask or face covering
• Practice social distancing with those outside of an immediate household
• Clean hands frequently with soap and water
• Stay home if feeling sick
• Get tested if exposed to or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
• Consider getting a COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available.

CASES CLIMBING AGAIN
The past week’s new confirmed case count for Allamakee County has included the highest single-week case total for the county since the first week of this new year, when 45 new cases were reported as confirmed by the State of Iowa. This past week’s timeframe of Tuesday, March 2 to Monday, March 8 included 43 new cases, with a pair of days with double-digit case totals - 10 recorded Wednesday, March 3 and 16 reported Friday, March 5 - fueling the recent case increase. Those two days are the first double-digit single-day case totals reported in over a month, with the 16 cases reported March 5 being the highest single-day total since that same number was reported January 20 and those two equal days being the highest single-day totals since 23 cases were reported December 20 of last year.

Within those 43 cases, the State of Iowa is reporting that the highest percentage of those cases (26%) has been in the 18-29 year old age group. That highest percentage out of eight different age groups reported lies well in line with the entire state of Iowa’s highest percentage of cases (28%) also being in that young adult age group.

This past week’s 43 cases also increased Allamakee County’s seven-day positivity rate to among the highest in the entire state of Iowa at 12% over the past week’s timeframe. That percentage ranks second behind the 15% positivity rate currently being reported in Wayne County on Iowa’s south central border with Missouri. Those two counties are among just five counties in Iowa reporting a double-digit positivity rate within the past seven days, with Wayne County’s adjacent neighbor to the north, Lucas County, reporting an 11% seven-day positivity rate and Mills County in the southwest corner of Iowa and Dickinson County along Iowa’s northwest corner border with Minnesota both reporting a 10% positivity rate for the past week.

All other 94 Iowa counties have seven-day positivity rates in the single digits. Included among the lowest positivity rates in the state are all three of Allamakee County’s adjacent neighboring counties, including Fayette County at three percent, Winneshiek County at two percent and Clayton County at zero percent as of Monday afternoon, March 8.

SCHOOLS
In its most recent update provided Friday, March 5, the Allamakee Community School District reported that the district had one student and no staff members test positive within the week prior. The school also reported that just one student was on quarantine protocol as of that March 5 update.

In its daily updated report spreadsheet, the Eastern Allamakee Community School District has reported no students have tested positive as of its last update Friday, March 5, extending that streak of several weeks, but there were six New Albin Elementary School students and two Lansing Middle School/Kee High School students on quarantine protocol as of that Friday, March 5 date. The Postville Community School District has not updated its daily COVID-19 reporting spreadsheet with any student or staff case information since mid-February nor any absentee information since the end of February.

VACCINATIONS CONTINUE
Allamakee County Public Health officials say that the vaccination process continues within the county, with the focus being on trying to finish up the 65 years of age and older group that was part of the original Phase 1B group with the county’s continued steady allotment of 300 doses of vaccine each week. Last week’s announcement by State of Iowa officials of opening up vaccinations to those 64 years and younger who have pre-existing medical conditions will be addressed locally after that original 65 and older group is completed, or as additional vaccine becomes available to distribute to that newly opened vaccination group.