As of Tuesday, active cases of COVID have climbed to 12, with one person hospitalized, and two children under the age of 12 months battling the virus. To date, there have been 1,711 cases and 16 deaths.
Osage County Health Department (OCHD) Administrator Kim Sallin said she is monitoring the situation closely and encourages everyone to take steps to stop the further spread, including being vaccinated.
At this time, Osage County has been listed ninth in the state in terms of overall cases per 100,000 people, and fourth in terms of cases in the past seven days, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). Sallin reminded everyone to remain vigilant with masking and social distancing.
According to state records, 26% of Osage County residents have initiated vaccination while 23% have completed the process. However, these figures reflect only clinics administered by county and state officials. Records of those who received doses from retail chains such as Walgreens, Wal-Mart, or CVC, or federal sources such as the Veterans’ Administration, have not been reported to the state of Missouri. Instead, they are kept on a federal database, which shows that 33.9% of Osage County residents have initiated vaccination while 28.6% have completed the process.
Sallin is encouraged by the number of vaccinations. “I’m pleased that our residents are getting the shot and hopefully, those figures will continue to climb,” she said.
Walk-in clinics will continue to be offered from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays at the Annex Building unless county offices are closed due to a holiday. Pfizer will only be available upon request.
Clinics will also be held from 4-7 p.m. June 1 at Chamois Lions Club and June 8 at the American Legion - 317 Paul A Hasenbeck in Freeburg. Both initial and booster shots will be available.
While managing the COVID situation, Sallin is also investigating a case of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in a child under the age of 7.
According to the DHSS, STEC can make toxins that can cause severe illness. The period from ingesting the bacteria to feeling ill is called the “incubation period”. The incubation period for STEC ranges from one to 10 days with an average of three to four days. The symptoms of STEC infections can vary but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. There is usually little or no fever and most people get better within five to seven days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening. Around 5% to 10% of those who are diagnosed with STEC infection develop a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The complication is serious and typically develops seven days (up to three weeks) after the onset of diarrhea and results in death in approximately 3% to 5% of children.
Cattle are the most common reservoir of STEC although sheep, deer, goats, and other ruminants can carry the bacteria. A major source of exposure has been contaminated undercooked ground beef, but other foods have also been implicated, including unpasteurized milk and juice, and contaminated raw fruits and vegetables. Direct contact with animals and their environment is also a risk factor. Waterborne transmission has occurred through the consumption of contaminated drinking water or recreational water that was inadequately chlorinated and from swallowing lake water while swimming. Person-to-person transmission occurs readily and can be difficult to control within families and in childcare facilities.
Sallin said there have been no other confirmed cases of STEC and this is something not seen often, and she does not anticipate additional cases.
“We’ve spent a lot of time investigating this case and we all continue to monitor for symptomatic individuals,” she added.
While young children are most susceptible to the bacteria, due to their playing habits and lower frequency of handwashing, Sallin said older children and even adults can fall prey.
“It’s important to remember the basics,” she said. “Wash your hands often and be sure to cook food properly.”
On a positive note, Sallin said she is grateful for the goodie baskets sent to the OCHD for Nurse’s Day from the Osage County Clerk’s Office, commissioners, and the 911 Center.