The first confirmed case in Iowa of the Covid-19 Omicron variant was detected in an unvaccinated individual under the age of 18 who lives in Black Hawk County, Greene County public health director Becky Wolf reported Dec. 13. The individual remains without symptoms, but because of travel exposure, the family sought testing based on public health guidance. Black Hawk County public health acted quickly to initiate contact with the family and remain in contact to monitor the health of the individual.
Proactive measures taken by the involved family, leadership of Black Hawk County Public Health, and support provided by the State Hygienic Lab (SHL) underscore the strength of our public health process. As a result, Iowans are informed about virus activity in the state, according to a press release.
As always, Covid-19 infected individuals are advised to isolate, following the latest IDPH and CDC guidance.
SHL maintains a strong statewide genomic surveillance program and continues to prioritize sequencing of any test samples that look suspicious for the Omicron and other variants. According to IDPH interim director Kelly Garcia, “There is emerging evidence that a booster dose of vaccine offers protection against Omicron, which is great news. Vaccinated Iowans who have not yet received a booster should do so as soon as possible.”
If you have not been vaccinated for COVID-19 are encouraged to speak with their health care provider about the vaccines benefits for themselves and the people around them.
As of Dec 13, 2021, in Greene County:
- Total cases: 1500
- 15 cases in past seven days
- 7-day positivity rate: 8.2 percent; 14-day positivity rate: 8.2 percent
- 18 deaths total
- Level of community transmission: HIGH
- Total Greene County population fully vaccinated: 54.7 percent
Flu and/or COVID vaccine clinics are held at the public health department, Greene County Medical Center, Level B, on the following days each week:
Tuesdays, 9 am to 12 pm
Thursdays, 1 to 4 pm
Persons can register online at https://hipaa.jotform.com/203558336058156 or call 515-386-3228 for an appointment
Free Test Iowa home kits are available at Greene County Public Health. Call 515-386-3228 to arrange for outdoor pick-up only.
