Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to sort through all the information we come across. The Delta variant continues to be in the headlines, but other variants are in the news as well. You may be wondering what a variant is, and how common are different types of variants.
Viruses like SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, mutate or change constantly. This mutation is a natural process that results in new variants. You can think of a variant as a stronger, more harmful version of the same virus. Some variants disappear, and others persist. Multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 have emerged in the United States.
At this point, the original variant that caused the initial COVID-19 cases in January 2020 is no longer circulating as newer variants have evolved.
To answer questions and provide information on the COVID-19 virus variants, the Oregon Health Authority has provided answers to your questions and information on the variants on the Oregon Vaccine News blog.
COVID-19 Vaccines are Safe and Effective
All three COVID-19 vaccines in the United States prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, and are effective against the Delta variant. High vaccination coverage will reduce the spread of the virus in Jackson County and elsewhere, protect our healthcare and public health infrastructure, and help prevent new variants from emerging.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
COVID-19 Testing
Daily Number of New COVID-19 Cases
As of 12:01 a.m. on September 15, 2021, Jackson County Public Health is reporting 146 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total cases in Jackson County to 20,487.
COVID-19 Hospitalizations for Region 5 (Jackson and Josephine Counties)
As of 11:00 a.m. on September 15, 2021, the number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is 180, and there are 53 patients with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit.
The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.
COVID-19 Related Deaths
Jackson County Public Health reports 3 new COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total to 243 since the beginning of the pandemic.
Jackson County’s 241st COVID-19 death is a 79-year-old woman who tested positive on August 7 and died on September 10 at Rogue Regional Medical Center. They had underlying health conditions.
Jackson County’s 242nd COVID-19 death is a 56-year-old man who tested positive on August 30 and died on September 13 at Three Rivers Medical Center. They had underlying health conditions.
Jackson County’s 243rd COVID-19 death is a 98-year-old man who tested positive on September 8 and died on September 11 at their residence. They had underlying health conditions.
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