First case of COVID-19 India variant confirmed in county
June 17, 2021
The Stone County Health Department (SCHD) is confirming the first case of the India Variant (Delta or B.1.617) of Covid-19 in Stone County. The first case of the Covid-19 India variant has unfortunately resulted in the passing of one of our Stone County residents. This individual was not vaccinated for Covid-19. Genetic variants of Covid-19 have been emerging and circulating through the state but this is the first variant that has been lab confirmed in Stone County.
Early research shows that the Covid-19 vaccine is effective in preventing the India variant of Covid-19. Natural immunity from having Covid-19 is not effective in protecting oneself from the India variant. This means individuals who have previously had Covid-19 and are unvaccinated are not protected from this variant. With this new strain circulating in our county it is important to get vaccinated to prevent the spread.
In addition to the new strain, cases in Stone County and surrounding counties are climbing to numbers not seen since February. Currently southwest Missouri counties have one of the highest case counts in Missouri. Stone County has seen an 80% increase in cases over the last 7 days. In Stone County 25.6% of residents are fully vaccinated. Stone County will continue to see an increase in cases until the vaccination rate increases.
Covid-19 can have life threatening complications, and there is no way to know how Covid-19 will affect you. If you get sick, you could spread the disease to friends, family and others around you. Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from Covid-19. Wearing masks and staying 6 feet apart from others help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others, but these measures are not enough. Vaccines will prepare your body to fight the virus if you are exposed. Vaccination clinics are planned for every week at various locations in the county.
For more information, call us 417-357-6134, follow us on Facebook or visit our website: www.stonecountyhealthdepartment.com
The Stone County Health Department (SCHD) is confirming the first case of the India Variant (Delta or B.1.617) of Covid-19 in Stone County. The first case of the Covid-19 India variant has unfortunately resulted in the passing of one of our Stone County residents. This individual was not vaccinated for Covid-19. Genetic variants of Covid-19 have been emerging and circulating through the state but this is the first variant that has been lab confirmed in Stone County.
Early research shows that the Covid-19 vaccine is effective in preventing the India variant of Covid-19. Natural immunity from having Covid-19 is not effective in protecting oneself from the India variant. This means individuals who have previously had Covid-19 and are unvaccinated are not protected from this variant. With this new strain circulating in our county it is important to get vaccinated to prevent the spread.
In addition to the new strain, cases in Stone County and surrounding counties are climbing to numbers not seen since February. Currently southwest Missouri counties have one of the highest case counts in Missouri. Stone County has seen an 80% increase in cases over the last 7 days. In Stone County 25.6% of residents are fully vaccinated. Stone County will continue to see an increase in cases until the vaccination rate increases.
Covid-19 can have life threatening complications, and there is no way to know how Covid-19 will affect you. If you get sick, you could spread the disease to friends, family and others around you. Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from Covid-19. Wearing masks and staying 6 feet apart from others help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others, but these measures are not enough. Vaccines will prepare your body to fight the virus if you are exposed. Vaccination clinics are planned for every week at various locations in the county.
For more information, call us 417-357-6134, follow us on Facebook or visit our website: www.stonecountyhealthdepartment.com