The LDH estimates the proportion of Omicron cases is over 84% in Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) estimates the proportion of Omicron cases in our state to be 84.6% for the week ending December 18.
Limited sequence data from Louisiana are available for the most recent reporting period. The estimated proportions are preliminary. LDH will now report the proportion of Omicron variants rather than the number of cases. Case-based surveillance for Omicron is no longer sustainable due to the volume of cases identified. In addition, providing a number of confirmed and probable cases will provide an inaccurate representation of the amount of Omicron circulating in our state. This is because: 1) probable cases can only be identified by a single specific PCR test that detects the dropout of the S gene, 2) not all PCR samples are submitted for sequencing, and 3) many people are tested by rapid antigen or molecular tests, which cannot be sequenced.
Updated LDH Guide
According to the CDC, unvaccinated people are 14 times more likely to die and 8 times more likely to be hospitalized due to COVID compared to a fully vaccinated person.
Additionally, anyone with symptoms of COVID should get tested and stay in quarantine to avoid spreading the disease to others. People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headaches, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose. , nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.
As a reminder, all community sites operated by the Louisiana National Guard will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Day.
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