The Paris-Lamar County Health District has reported the county s 84th Covid-19 related death, a 90-year-old woman. The district also reported 41 new cases and 63 other cases not previously recorded
Covid-19 may be running rampant this year, but influenza spread is down.
By this time last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 195 pediatric deaths from the flu nationwide compared to just one reported so far this year.
âThe flu has not been that prevalent this year,â said Paris Regional Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Amanda Green, who also works with the Paris-Lamar County Health District. âWe have not seen very many cases in the hospital nor in clinics.â
Statewide, the Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting low levels of flu compared to this time last year when counties reporting high levels filled the stateâs influenza activity map. By comparison, only three counties, including Bowie County in Northeast Texas, are reporting high levels for the week ending Jan. 2. Because itâs not a state health department requirement, Lamar County, along with more than 100 other counties, does not report flu activ
As virus cases surge, it is frustrating that a line of defense is just out of reach. Keep in mind the logistical nightmare it must be to distribute limited supplies
Regional Covid-19 vaccinations are now underway for frontline health care workers, first responders and those who are considered high risk for a severe infection of the respiratory disease, although the statewide rollout has been marred by mixed messages and confusion.
Lamar County volunteer firefighters were among those invited to sign up for their first round of vaccinations Dec. 29, a day after Paris Regional Medical Center officials announced the hospital received its initial allocation of vaccines, developed by Moderna, and it was distributing them in accordance with prioritization guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the federal government and the state of Texas. The Moderna vaccine received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Dec. 18.