Nye, Esmeralda counties show moderate levels of COVID again
The Thanksgiving holiday is likely partially to blame for a steep increase in cases.
COVID-19 cases in Clark County jump by 50 percent
By Mary Hynes Special to the Pahrump Valley Times
Updated December 8, 2022 - 8:24 am
Maria Mendoza gives a shot to Javier De La Torre of Las Vegas at a COVID-19 vaccination station at Southern Nevada Health District in Las Vegas Monday, Jan. 10, 2022. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @KMCannonPhoto
Nye County is showing moderate levels of COVID-19 infections again, according to state data released Wednesday. Neighboring Esmeralda County and Lincoln County are also posting moderate levels of the virus, but new cases of COVID are the worst in Clark County, where they jumped by 50 percent this week, likely due in part to the Thanksgiving holiday, health officials reported. The rest of Nevada's counties remain at low levels.
Statewide, new cases increased to 324 from 224, according to data from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services.
COVID-19 has risen to moderate levels in Clark County, a designation based on cases and hospitalizations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Infections are increasing across the country. "In the past week, we've started to see the unfortunate and expected rise of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations nationally after the Thanksgiving holiday," CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said during a media briefing earlier this week.
"This rise in cases and hospitalizations is especially worrisome as we move into the winter months when more people are assembling indoors with less ventilation, and as we approach the holiday season where many are gathering with loved ones across multiple generations," she said.
COVID-19 confirmed and suspected hospitalizations in Clark County, where most patients in the region seek treatment for serious cases, increased to 311 from last week's 279. Statewide, they increased to 359 from 340. The 14-day average for daily new deaths in both the county and the state remained at one.
About 17 percent of hospital emergency department visits statewide are related to COVID-19 symptoms, according to the Nevada Hospital Association.
"There have been some local increases in cases of severe COVID around the country, likely as a result of Thanksgiving travel and gatherings," said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University. "It is anticipated that further holiday get-togethers will provoke similar increases around the country."
Brian Labus, an assistant professor in UNLV's School of Public Health, said that despite the large percentage increase, the numbers of new cases remain relatively low.
"It doesn't look like we're seeing massive spikes after Thanksgiving. At least not yet," he said.
More testing for COVID-19 at medical facilities may be driving some of the increase in case numbers, Labus said, as people with a range of respiratory illnesses seek treatment instead of taking a rapid COVID test at home. The results of home tests aren't reflected in state data.
The early beginning this season for flu and RSV, with COVID-19, have created a "perfect storm for a terrible holiday season," said Dr. Sandra Fryhofer, chair of the board of trustees of the American Medical Association.
"Over the last few years COVID protective measures also prevented spread of flu and other respiratory infections, but we're really no longer in that bubble," she said at the CDC briefing.
Public health authorities continue to urge people to get an updated COVID-19 booster shot as well as an annual flu shot.
"Everyone who has not yet received the updated COVID booster is urged to do so promptly," Schaffner said. "It is the best holiday gift you can give yourself and for your family and friends."
Contact Mary Hynes at mhynes@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0336. Follow @MaryHynes1 on Twitter.
Posted on: News
Tagged: coronavirus, Has Video, mc-news
Driver accused of DUI called 911 because he believed someone was in his car trunk
By Selwyn Harris Pahrump Valley Times
A Nye County Sheriff's Office deputy reported the driver appeared to be hallucinating and admitted to using meth.
How a bill becomes Nevada law — lobbyist explains the politics of it all
By Bill Newyear Special to the Pahrump Valley Times
Janine Hansen explains the fine points of being a lobbyist. Hansen spoke at the Pahrump Valley Museum this month at the behest of the New Nevada State movement.
Couple found dead from apparent murder-suicide in Death Valley park
An elderly husband allegedly shot and killed his elderly wife who was suffering from severe health problems before turning the gun on himself at Death Valley National Park in an apparent act of murder-suicide, according to a park officials.
Lombardo raises nearly $2M after winning election
By Jessica Hill Special to the Times-Bonanza
Many companies that donated only to former Gov. Steve Sisolak suddenly opened their checkbooks once Joe Lombardo won the governor's race in November.
Pahrump breeder plans to convert garage for 30-dog kennel
January 25, 2023 - 10:33 am January 26, 2023 - 7:42 am
A local breeder plans to convert an Oakridge Avenue garage into a dog kennel that could house as many as 30 German Shepherds at any given time.
PARTY AT THE FARM: 3rd Annual "Fun"draiser set for Nature Health Farms
By Robin Hebrock Pahrump Valley Times
Alex D'Jon purchased land to establish a rural venture in Pahrump in 2019 and area residents will be able to check out all Nature Health Farms has to offer this Saturday during the 3rd Annual Nature Health Farms "Fun"draiser.
Nye County Sheriff Joe McGill is defending the actions of Capt. David Boruchowitz, saying the officer has endured an ongoing "smear campaign" ever since Boruchowitz arrested a belligerent attendee at a local school board meeting last spring.
A Pahrump worker is facing an embezzlement charge after deputies say they viewed a video of the man taking money from his employer's cash register before fleeing last fall.
Nevadans will no longer go to jail for minor traffic offenses
The new state law decriminalizes minor traffic violations, making them civil infractions and ending the widespread practice of issuing warrants when a driver fails to pay their tickets.
NWS: Winds could reach up to 50 mph in Nye County and surrounding areas
By Marvin Clemons Special to the Pahrump Valley Times
Winds in the valley could escalate, according to warning from National Weather Service officials.