It’s officially starting to feel like fall, with morning temperatures in the mid-40s to high 50s across Cumberland County this week. These cooler temperatures often lead to an increase in respiratory illnesses such as influenza and Covid-19.
Cumberland County has yet to see a spike in cases of COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses this fall, and the last spike in COVID-19 cases was in July. Cumberland County Public Health primarily transmits the coronavirus through virus particles in the county’s sewage. This is how we currently estimate the number of COVID-19 cases in our county and across the state, in addition to hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Wastewater monitoring data from the Rockfish Creek Water Reclamation Facility shows a decline in viral particles in Cumberland County since September.
The state has not yet reached the peak of its influenza season. This time last year, hospitals across North Carolina had 152 influenza cases, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services’ Respiratory Virus Surveillance Dashboard. As of October 12, the latest data available, there were just 34 cases. (State data specifically reflects only positive influenza cases among individuals who sought treatment in emergency departments.)
Statewide cases of RSV, a respiratory virus that primarily affects infants and the elderly, also increased slightly. However, the state’s overall respiratory disease activity caused by viruses such as the novel coronavirus, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus remains minimal, according to the Centers for Disease Control’s Respiratory Disease Data Channel. Data on influenza and RSV prevalence in Cumberland County were not available at the time of publication.
Nearly a month into flu season, vaccines remain important, local and state health officials say, even though rates of respiratory illness are low. Especially with new strains expected in the cold months ahead.
“We want people to remember to get the vaccine,” Jennifer Green, director of the Cumberland County Department of Public Health, told City View in July. “I know it feels a little cliché, but the best thing we can do during fall respiratory virus season is to get vaccinated.”
These vaccinations also apply to your pet. North Carolina law requires dogs and cats over 4 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. There have been two recent rabies outbreaks in Cumberland County. One case occurred in a fox in September and the other case involved a bat earlier this month. There have been a total of three confirmed cases of rabies in the county this year, according to the NCDHHS rabies database.
How to get you or your pet vaccinated
Cumberland County Public Health Department
The department is offering influenza, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines on a walk-in basis at its Ramsey Street store. The respiratory syncytial virus vaccine can only be given to some infants and adults over 60 years of age. All shoots are free and no insurance is required. Vaccines for children under 18 are covered by the federal government’s Children’s Vaccine Program.
pharmacy
Residents can schedule a vaccine appointment online at any CVS location through the pharmacy website. Residents will need to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine at these locations if they do not have private insurance or Medicare or Medicaid insurance.
Walgreens is also offering Covid-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and other vaccinations at stores across the county. Similar to CVS, residents will pay out of pocket if they do not receive a COVID-19 vaccination through private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. Reservations can be made online.
Cumberland County Animal Services
County Animal Services offers annual rabies vaccinations on a walk-in basis every Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. The cost is $5 per vaccination.
CityView reporter Morgan Casey is a corps member with Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms. Morgan’s reporting focuses on health care issues in and around Cumberland County and can be supported through the City View News Fund.
