Two more COVID-related deaths have been reported by the City-Cowley County Health Department.
According to an update posted Friday by Cowley County Public Health Officer Thomas Langer, the two people who died this month were recently diagnosed with the virus. Langer added that both persons had pre-existing co-morbidities which may have contributed to their deaths.
Cowley County now totals 111 COVID-related deaths since the pandemic began in March 2020.
The first death was reported in April 2020. On Jan. 25 of this year, Cowley County tallied 59 virus-related deaths.
“During the past week, 89 new cases were recorded in Cowley County, down slightly from the 95 new cases in the previous week,” Langer said Friday. “To date, we have recorded 183 new cases in August, which is an average of 15 new cases being reported per day.
Langer
“There are currently 76 active cases in the county. We have recorded 336 new cases since July 1, 2021.”
Langer said 135 cases this month have occurred in people who were not vaccinated and have no known immunity. Of those cases, 48 are classified as “break-through” cases.
During the past two weeks, Langer said demand for vaccination has increased in the county.
Requests for testing continue to rise, the health department said.
Data received from local testing providers indicates that 483 people have been tested so far this month. The crude infection rate for the month has climbed to 38%.
Results of virus genotyping indicate the Delta variants remain the dominant cause (99%) of current infections in the county.
“Cowley County, along with most all counties in Kansas, remain identified as an area where infection is currently widespread,” Langer stated. “Community members are advised to take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of illness.
“Stay home if you feel ill, wash your hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, wear a mask if you so desire, avoid crowds and large social gatherings — especially people unknown to you. If you develop any symptoms of illness, be tested to determine if you are infected and to seek medical help.
“You are also reminded that you must stay home and isolate from others if you are ill. Please do not go out and spread the virus further.”
