County health officials warn of Delta strain

WAPAKONETA — It is safe to say that the coronavirus delta variant has arrived.

Auglaize County Health Department Nursing Director Jessica Wuebker said their epidemiologist has confirmed a few cases of COVID-19 are the contagious delta variant, although testing is randomized. In just the first nine days of August there have been 70 cases of the virus in Auglaize County. In all of July by comparison there were 65 cases.

Among those cases about 20 have been among people in the 20-29 age group, the highest among any specific age group. An outbreak at a workplace affected seven people exclusively in that age group.

The first day of school for many is right around the corner.

Dr. Juan Torres pointed out children ages 12 and younger are going back with no vaccine. Torres said rapid testing would be a good way to control outbreaks at school.

He said other infection waves in India and the United Kingdom have shown signs of slowing

down, but the rate in the United States is still high.

Torres said someone not vaccinated is 8.3 times more likely to get the virus as someone who is vaccinated. They are also 25 times more likely to be hospitalized and 24 times more likely to die.

He said 97 percent of COVID-19 hospitalizations were for unvaccinated people.

Torres said the CDC is recommending a COVID-19 booster shot to increase immunity for those who are immunocompromised. The World Health organization prefers to support giving shots to the unvaccinated first.

Torres said if the virus continues to evolve officials might run out of Greek alphabet symbols to use.

Board member Dr. Thomas Freytag questioned whether those who are vaccinated should be masking up.

“It should be each person’s decision how much risk they are going to take, or companies decision how much risk they are going to take,” Torres said.

Freytag countered, saying, “The tough thing for Americans is what part of this is medical and what part of this is political.”

Torres blamed media interpretation for politicizing. He said to look at the data.

Also during their regular monthly meeting health board members approved an update to a telework policy, and acknowledged breast feeding awareness month. After discussing in executive session board members appointed Michelle Langemeyer for the WiC peer helper