Page 24 - WCMS1Q22

Medical Director Report – February 2022
Washtenaw County Health Department Updates 2/25/22 | Juan Marquez, MD, MPH COVID
Like the rest of Michigan and the United States, Washtenaw County experienced an omicron-driven surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in late December 2021 through mid-January 2022. The case count is the highest experienced during the pandemic with a peak of 1800 weekly cases per 100,000.
The case count has decreased precipitously over the past several weeks.
COVID vaccination remains among the highest in the state with 79% of the residents vaccinated. This includes 56% of 5-11 year old children and 77% of 12-15 year old children which is the highest in the state.
COVID outpatient therapeutics, while limited, are available for high risk patients. Currently, the distribution is being centrally managed via MDHHS. Oral therapeutics are available at all Meijer’s (subject to availability) and select other pharmacies. More information about available therapeutics is available at https://www.michigan.gov/ coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178_106077---,00.html . Included is also information from MDHHS updated on 2/24/22 including standardized prescribing forms if electronic prescribing is not possible.
Flu
Similar to other parts of Michigan, overall 2021-2022 influenza counts remain low. Until now, Michigan has had minimal activity as classified by the CDC. There has been one notable outbreak in Washtenaw County on a university campus of Influenza A(H3N2) involving 745 students between October to November 2021 as outlined in the December 10th, 2021 MMWR https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7049e1.htm .
Everyone is encouraged to receive their annual flu vaccine if they have not yet done so.
Other
Rabies: In early February, the first rapid bat was reported for 2022. All animal bites and exposure to bats should be reported to WCHD (734-544-6700). If a bat is found in a house, it should not be let go until talking with the health department; capturing and testing the bat may avoid unnecessary post – exposure prophylaxis. If a healthcare provider treats a patient who has experienced an animal bite or animal exposure, they should fill out the Bite Report Form (PDF) and fax it to 734-544-6706 as part of ongoing disease surveillance.
Bacterial Meningitis: In late January 2022, a patient diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis was reported to WCHD. Case investigation resulted in recommendations for post exposure prophylaxis for multiple groups of exposed individuals. No additional cases have been reported.
24 Washtenaw County Medical Society BULLETIN SPRING 2022