Delta variant found in Muskegon County where new COVID-19 cases are accelerating

MUSKEGON, MI – Muskegon County is the latest county to report a case of the Delta variant of COVID-19.

Public Health-Muskegon County reported the case on Wednesday, July 28, and said there was likely more than one in the county.

Kathy Moore, director of public health, said the discovery was not unexpected.

“It is important for our community to know that this variant is circulating here and that it spreads more easily and faster, which can lead to more cases of COVID-19,” Moore said in a prepared statement.

Only a “small percentage” of confirmed cases of COVID are sent for genetic sequencing to determine the variant, according to the advice of the health service. This means “it is very likely that there are more unidentified cases of the Delta variant in Muskegon County,” according to the health department.

Now the dominant strain of coronavirus in the country, the Delta variant is said to be more infectious than previous strains and could spread more easily from vaccinated to unvaccinated people.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director Rochelle Walensky told a press conference on Tuesday that the variant “behaves differently” other strains of COVID-19.

In most cases, patients with the variant are more likely to be hospitalized, have other complications and need oxygen.

He also has slightly different symptoms. These include upset stomach, sore throat, headache, stuffy nose, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, joint pain, and hearing loss.

So far this month, 168 new cases of COVID have been diagnosed in Muskegon County, according to the health department. That includes 25 cases identified on July 27, the highest single-day total since May 26, according to statistics from the Department of Health. The last recorded death dates back to July 6.

In the past week alone, there has been 91 new cases, reported the Ministry of Health. This compares to 38 the week before.

As of Monday July 26, Mercy Health Muskegon had 10 hospitalized COVID patients, including four in intensive care, according to Michigan State Reports.

Since the start of the pandemic, Muskegon County has reported 15,910 cases of COVID-19 and 363 deaths.

Those who believe they have been infected with COVID-19 or have been in contact with an infected person should get tested. To find a local testing site, visit maskupmuskegon.org/gettested.

Vaccinations are strongly recommended for people 12 years of age and older. To find a vaccination location, visit maskupmuskegon.org/vaccineinfo.

Individuals can also call 2-1-1 and then press 5 for assistance with planning for the COVID-19 vaccine or for any questions relating to the COVID-19 vaccination.

The health department is planning two community vaccination clinics on August 19 where all three types of vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson – will be available.

A clinic will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Muskegon Community Health and Wellness Center at Muskegon Community College, 221 Quarterline Road.

The other will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hackley Park in downtown Muskegon at 350 W Webster Ave.

The health department offers to bring vaccination clinics to businesses, churches, clubs and other organizations. To request one, click on here.

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