Skidmore: New variant already in county

By

Gazette Reporter

Colfax – Whitman County commissioners discussed concerns over the new BA.5 COVID-19 variant during their meeting Monday, July 18.

Whitman County Public Health Director Chris Skidmore brought commissioners up to speed just as the next school year is on the horizon.

“I am pretty sure it is already here and moving throughout the county,” Skidmore told commissioners. “I think it’s important that we are on the back end of the spike before students come back.”

BA.5 has similar symptoms as previous variants including fever, runny nose, coughing, sore throat, headaches, muscle pain and fatigue, he said.

“The new variant does seem to be more like Delta and will have more severe disease outcomes,” he said. “However, it is more transmissible than omicron. We are anticipating that it will be the predominant variant.”

Skidmore said it moves quickly and could potentially have an impact on health care.

He also said there is a concern for the vulnerable population living in congruent living.

Those who are immunocompromised are also at risk, he said. Those infected with BA.5 could feel symptoms 24-48 hours after exposure.

“The speed at which the new variant spreads could result in a huge number of people getting sick and this could impact health care in the county,” he said. “I think the most drastic restrictions you will see will be an indoor mask mandate statewide. But there would have to be a big health care impact before the governor would mandate that.”

The new strain can be spread regardless of vaccination status.

So, Whitmore recommends booster shots for anyone that has already received a COVID-19 vaccine, claiming a booster will lessen the symptoms. 

“An additional booster is recommended for those over the age of 50,” he said, “I am hoping the CDC and FDA come out with the official recommendation before that strike hits our county.”

The county has already ordered more testing kits ahead of the school year for officials, students and staff.

Skidmore believes it is unlikely local schools would return hybrid or online educational procedures.

While officials are looking forward to the start of the school year, the State Department of Health is reporting that Whitman County had its first two COVID-19 deaths since early March this week. These most recent deaths bring Whitman County’s reported COVID-related death count to 92 since the beginning of the pandemic more than two years ago.

Neighboring Asotin, Spokane and Walla Walla counties also reported deaths this week.

According to Whitman County Public Health, the local COVID-19 community level is low.

— Reporter Reid Thompson contributed to this report.