CASPER, Wyo. — The latest COVID-19 wave washing over the U.S. is fueling a rise in cases across Wyoming, although the death rate remains low, according to the latest data available.
The average daily number of cases in Natrona County reached 46, bringing the number of cases per 100,000 people to 47.1, the Mayo Clinic reported. The Wyoming Department of Health reports 3,456 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Natrona County this year, with another 2,261 probable cases.
Data collected by the Mayo Clinic shows the average number of cases statewide rose to 41.3 per 100,000 people on June 11, up from just 7 per 100,000 people on May 11. Those numbers are based on seven-day rolling averages, according to the clinic.
The average positive test rate, reported as a 14-day average, rose to 12.9% on June 11. That’s up from 4.8% on May 11.
Despite the increase in cases, the state’s fatality rate dropped in late May from 1.2% to 1.1%, where it has remained, according to the Mayo Clinic’s data.
Both trends show the state is climbing the slope of the latest COVID-19 wave. Public health officials believe the U.S. wave is fueled by a spinoff of the BA.2 subvariant called BA.2.12.1, according to WebMD.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that those who are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second vaccine booster and are exposed to COVID-19 quarantine for five days and then use a mask for five more days. If quarantining for five days is not possible, the CDC recommends strict use of a well-fitting mask for 10 days. People who are vaccinated and boosted and exposed to the virus should wear a mask for 10 days after exposure, the CDC says.
People who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for five days and, if they are asymptomatic or symptoms resolve without a fever for 24 hours, follow up with five days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the chances of infecting others, according to the CDC.
For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website.
The Wyoming Department of Health provides COVID-19 case, variant, death, testing, hospital and vaccine data online. The department also shares information about how the data can be interpreted. COVID-19 safety recommendations are available from the CDC.
