It’s Malheur County Fair time! Stop by the Commercial Building (next to the Red Barn) at the fair and visit our MCHD booth now through Saturday night. We have lots of resources for all ages. We are giving away $5 Dutch Bros gift cards for anyone age 14-25 who completes a survey. Just a few booths down in the same building, anyone over the age of 12 is eligible for the free COVID-19 vaccine and will receive a $25 gift card to a locally-owned business! The Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J vaccines are all available from 2-10 p.m. through Saturday. Don’t miss this opportunity! Thank you for sharing and have a great time at the Fair!
The following is provided by the Centers for Disease Control, July 27, 2021
TOP 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT COVID-19 AND DELTA VARIANT
Getting vaccinated prevents severe illness, hospitalization, and death; it also helps reduce the spread of the virus in communities.
Unvaccinated individuals should get vaccinated and continue masking until they are fully vaccinated.
With the Delta variant, this is more urgent than ever. The highest spread of cases and severe outcomes is happening in places with low vaccination rates
Data show Delta is different than past versions of the virus: it is much more contagious.
Some vaccinated people can get Delta in a breakthrough infection and may be contagious.
Even so, vaccinated individuals represent a very small amount of transmission occurring around the country.
Virtually all hospitalizations and deaths continue to be among the unvaccinated.
In areas with substantial and high transmission, CDC recommends that everyone (including fully vaccinated individuals) wear a mask in public indoor settings to help prevent spread of Delta and protect others.
CDC recommends that community leaders encourage vaccination and masking to prevent further outbreaks in areas of substantial and high transmission.
CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.”
BACKGROUND ON VACCINATION AND DELTA
Vaccination is the most important public health action to end the COVID-19 pandemic.
Get vaccinated to prevent severe illness, hospitalizations, and death.
We need more people vaccinated.
Vaccination coverage by county in the U.S. ranges from 9% to 89%, and remains below 40% in over half of the counties.
Areas of low vaccination coverage have rapidly increasing cases
COVID-19 cases have increased over 300% nationally from June 19 to July 23, 2021, driven by the highly transmissible B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant.
Importantly, while we are seeing case numbers similar to the wave we experienced last summer, there are over 70% fewer deaths due largely to the impact of the vaccines.
Healthcare systems are being strained in many states with surging cases, imperiling providers’ ability to deliver care not only for patients with COVID-19 but also those with other healthcare needs.
We are in a race against time to increase vaccination coverage before new variants emerge.
We continue to have good evidence that our vaccines are safe and effective, and provide protection against the variants circulating in the United States.
Data demonstrate that the vaccines are preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death, and are effective against the Delta variant.
Vaccination is the best way to protect you, your family, and your community.
High vaccination coverage will reduce spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging.
The emerging evidence about the Delta variant demonstrates it is more formidable than the original (wildtype) virus.
Delta spreads more than twice as easily from one person to another, compared with earlier strains.
Delta has most recently surged to become the predominant variant –from <1% in May to over 80% of cases in July.
Delta is causing some “vaccine breakthrough infections,” meaning infections in fully vaccinated people, than other strains have. But, even so:
o Most breakthrough infections are mild.
o Vaccines are working as they should—they are preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death.
New data show that people infected with Delta have higher viral loads—meaning more virus in their body—than with previous variants.
In contrast to the Alpha strain, new data show that fully vaccinated people who are infected with the Delta variant might be infectious and might potentially spread the virus to others
Q&A
What changed from 2 months ago when you said vaccinated people did not need to mask?
Delta variant is surging: it has quickly grown from less than 1% of cases in May to more than 80% now.
Delta spreads about twice as easily from one person to another than previous strains of the virus.
We (CDC) are constantly evaluating data and monitoring the science to determine what responses may be needed and given emerging evidence that some vaccinated people can get or spread Delta, we are recommending people in substantial and high transmission areas consider masking, even if they’re fully vaccinated.
Importantly, the vaccines can help prevent Delta from spreading even further. Most transmission happening around the country is among unvaccinated people and in areas with low vaccination rates. We need more people to get vaccinated to stay ahead of changes in the virus.
Should vaccinated people worry they are spreading the virus?
Vaccinated individuals represent a very small amount of transmission occurring around the country. Most vaccinated people are protected from the virus – breakthrough cases occur in only a small proportion of vaccinated people and the vast majority are avoiding serious illness, hospitalization, or death.
If you get vaccinated, your risk of infection is ~3.5-fold lower, your risk of getting ill from COVID is over 8-fold lower, and your risk of hospitalization or death is ~25-fold lower.
But emerging science suggests some vaccinated people can be contagious if they get Delta.
In areas of substantial and high transmission, CDC recommends that vaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor settings to prevent spread and protect themselves and others.
Does this mean the vaccines aren’t working as we expected?
No. The 162+ million fully vaccinated Americans have a very strong degree of protection against the variants, including Delta. They are overwhelmingly avoiding severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Unvaccinated individuals account for virtually all the hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S.
Despite seeing case numbers similar to the surge we experienced last summer, deaths are down more than 70% thanks to vaccination.
This is further proof that getting fully vaccinated is the best thing you can do to protect yourself and those around you.
How rare is transmission by the vaccinated?
We are continuing to monitor available data, but we know vaccinated people represent a very small proportion of transmission occurring.
For example, some data out of Israel showed that as little as 13% of vaccinated people with a breakthrough infection were spreading the virus, with 80% not spreading at all.
It’s important to remember breakthrough infections occur in only a small proportion of vaccinated people and of the breakthrough infections, transmission by the vaccinated appears to only be a small part of overall spread of the virus.
If you are vaccinated but asymptomatic, can you spread the virus?
We do not have data to inform the likelihood of asymptomatic spread among vaccinated people, but expect that it would be relatively low.
If vaccinated people can spread the virus, shouldn’t everyone wear a mask not just those in high transmission areas?
If you are in a low transmission area, your overall risk of getting Delta as a vaccinated person is lower.
You can still consider whether you want to take the extra precaution of wearing a mask (particularly if you live with someone who is immunocompromised, unvaccinated, or at risk of severe disease), but at this time we are focused on reducing transmission and therefore urge everyone to get vaccinated and, in areas with substantial or high transmission, to wear a mask in indoor public spaces.
What data is this decision based on?
We (CDC) are constantly reviewing emerging data and evidence on the Delta variant. This update is based on recent data both here in the United States and in other countries that show a small proportion of fully vaccinated people may be infected with Delta and transmit it.
Does this mean businesses in high transmission areas should reinstitute mask mandates for all workers and customers? Reduce capacity? Should large events be canceled?
These are decisions that will be made at the local level by community and business leaders based on what is happening in their area.
Right now, we would recommend that, in areas with substantial or high transmission, individuals wear masks in indoor public settings, even if they have been fully vaccinated, and community leaders encourage vaccination and masking to prevent further spread.
What about workplaces or offices? Should people in high or substantial transmission areas be wearing masks at work?
Yes. Employers should encourage vaccination and masking in areas of high or substantial transmission.
What about kids in schools? Should they all be masking, even if vaccinated?
Yes. Given the high mixing of vaccinated and unvaccinated people in schools, and the fact that vaccines are not available to children under 12, we recommend schools do universal masking.
To support in-person learning in the fall, CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
If kids get infected with Delta, are they at serious risk?
Most children who get COVID-19 have less symptoms than adults. However, the Delta variant is more transmissible than other variants, therefore protection against exposure is more important than ever, especially among those who are unvaccinated or too young to be vaccinated.
We know—based on national antibody studies—that children experience COVID-19 infection, even if they have had less symptoms.
National seroprevalence data show that children (age 0-17) have the highest level of antibodies of any age group (27.8%).
CDC recommends that parents take appropriate protective actions, such as having children older than age 2 who are unvaccinated wear masks in public indoor settings.
To support in-person learning in the fall, CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
Should I be more worried about variants like Delta?
Variants are expected as long as transmission continues. Delta is more contagious than previous variants and cases due to the Delta variant are rising rapidly. Unvaccinated individuals should get vaccinated and continue masking until they are fully vaccinated.
With the Delta variant, this is more urgent than ever. The highest spread of cases and severe outcomes is happening in places with low vaccination rates and among unvaccinated people.
Should fully vaccinated people put their mask back on?
The greatest risk right now is to the unvaccinated. Unvaccinated individuals should get vaccinated and continue masking until they are fully vaccinated.
The COVID-19 vaccine authorized in the United states protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from the Delta variant. In rare occasions, some vaccinated people can get Delta in a breakthrough infection and may be contagious. Even so, vaccinated individuals represent a very small amount of transmission occurring around the country.
Fully vaccinated individuals should wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas with substantial or high transmission to help prevent spread of Delta and protect others.
Should communities go back to mask mandates?
As we have always said, localities may make decisions based on their local situation—CDC urges localities to monitor transmission rates and vaccination coverage, and to add layered prevention strategies when needed to keep their communities safe.
Community leaders should encourage vaccination and masking to prevent further spread, in areas with substantial or high transmission.
People in high or substantial transmission areas should wear a mask in public indoor settings, even if they are fully vaccinated.
It feels like we are seeing more breakthrough infections than just 10% – how many breakthrough infections are we seeing?
Breakthrough infections are anticipated even with a highly effective vaccine. There are over 160 million Americans vaccinated and CDC expects about 150,000 symptomatic breakthrough infections through mid-July based on modeled estimates.
Importantly, breakthrough infections are mostly resulting in mild disease. If you get vaccinated, your risk of infection, symptomatic disease, and especially hospitalization or death are far lower than in the unvaccinated.
You may have noticed that COVID-19 cases are on the rise. This difficult news may bring about feelings of frustration or sadness. Last fall we showed this video that offers some actionable tips for grounding yourself in uncertain times from a former OHA Senior Health Advisor, Dr. Jon Betlinski. This may be a helpful resource during this time of uncertainty.
The video is a clip from a past Facebook Live event focused on mental health. You can also view the full Q&A in English here and in Spanish here.
In response to a large jump in cases and hospitalizations and in alignment with new national guidance calling for masking measures to prevent the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant, the OHA today is recommending universal mask use in public indoor settings throughout the state to protect people in Oregon from COVID-19.
“Today’s reported sharp rise in cases and hospitalizations in Oregon are sobering reminders that the pandemic is not over, especially for Oregonians who remain unvaccinated,” said Dr. Dean Sidelinger, state epidemiologist and state health officer.
“The highly contagious Delta variant has increased tenfold in the past two weeks in Oregon, and it is now estimated to be associated with 80% of the new cases in Oregon. The use of face masks provides significant protection for individuals who are unvaccinated as well as an additional level protection from a small but known risk of infection by the virus for persons who have already been vaccinated.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who are vaccinated with currently available vaccines are protected from the virus and the circulating variants, including the Delta variant that is now seen in the majority of Oregon’s new cases. OHA’s recommendation aligns with the CDC’s new guidance issued today that everyone, including fully vaccinated persons, wear a mask in public indoor settings.
OHA’s recommendation applies statewide, and not just areas with higher infections and high transmission, as cases have increased across the state in recent weeks due to the Delta variant.
OHA is continuing to call on local community and public health leaders, and businesses, to encourage vaccination and masking to prevent new outbreaks in areas of high transmission. See OHA announcement HERE.
Malheur County has the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rate in Oregon with just 30% of the population, far from the protection needed to prevent more outbreaks. This is especially tragic given the fact that Malheur County has the highest rate of COVID-19 cases in the population overall and we’ve experienced tremendous hardships as a community from severe disease and quarantine. Cases are increasing again locally and the percentage of all COVID-19 tests that are positive is increasing, which indicates more community spread. Please urge your loved ones to be vaccinated if they are not yet protected. Everyone age 12 and older are eligible for the free vaccine. Find list of local vaccine providers on our COVID-19 vaccine page or on vaccines.gov.
The CDC frequently updates their COVID-19 vaccine resources with accurate and reliable information. Learn more below and by clicking HERE.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe
COVID-19 vaccines were developed using science that has been around for decades.
COVID-19 vaccines are not experimental. They went through all the required stages of clinical trials. Extensive testing and monitoring have shown that these vaccines are safe and effective.
Once you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing more
After you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, you can resume many activities that you did before the pandemic. You can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
People are not considered fully vaccinated until 2 weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, or 2 weeks after a single-dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. You should keep using all the tools available to protect yourself and others until you are fully vaccinated.
COVID-19 vaccination is a safer way to help build protection
Get vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19. Studies have shown that vaccination provides a strong boost in protection in people who have recovered from COVID-19,.
Learn more about the clinical considerations for people were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, or history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults or children (MIS-A or MIS-C).
COVID-19 is still a threat to people who are unvaccinated. Some people who get COVID-19 can become severely ill, which could result in hospitalization, and some people have ongoing health problems several weeks or even longer after getting infected. Even people who did not have symptoms when they were infected can have these ongoing health problems.
Immunity after COVID-19 vaccination
There is still a lot we are learning about COVID-19 vaccines and CDC is constantly reviewing evidence and updating guidance. We don’t know how long protection lasts for those who are vaccinated.
What we do know is that COVID-19 has caused very serious illness and death for a lot of people.
If you get COVID-19, you also risk giving it to loved ones who may get very sick. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a safer choice.
At this time, there are limited data on vaccine effectiveness in people who are immunocompromised, including those taking immunosuppressive medications. Learn more about the considerations for fully vaccinated people who are immunocompromised.
None of the COVID-19 vaccines can make you sick with COVID-19
None of the COVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19 so a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19. Learn more Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines
Get Help
Get answers to questions or help finding a vaccine near you.
Help is available in English, Spanish, and many other languages.
Call 1-800-232-0233
TTY 1-888-720-7489 (TTY (Teletypewriter) allows users to send typed messages across phone lines)
Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL): Call 1-888-677-1199 or email DIAL@n4a.org
Contact Vaccines.gov on WhatsApp (in Spanish only). Choose from a menu to find vaccine locations near you, learn how to get free rides and childcare for your vaccine appointment, and find out more about the COVID-19 vaccine.
EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM MDT THIS AFTERNOON (Sunday, July 25th) TO MIDNIGHT MDT MONDAY NIGHT.
WHAT: Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures up to 107 expected.
WHERE: Portions of northeast and southeast Oregon and southwest and west central Idaho.
WHEN: From 2 PM MDT this afternoon to midnight MDT Monday night.
IMPACTS: Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequentrest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911.
Peer Advocacy Workshops August 10 (Spanish) and August 13 (English)
YOU can build a healthier future for your community! Boost Oregon empowers people to make science-based vaccine decisions. We know that the best educators are community members like you. Sign up to be a peer advocate, and Boost Oregon will give you the training and tools you need to empower others to make informed health decisions.
As a peer advocate, you will: Learn how to talk about vaccines with your friends and family; Understand the facts and debunk the myths about vaccines; Access Boost Oregon’s expertise and receive support from our medical educators and staff; and Join a growing force of peer advocates who feel passionately about improving our communities’ health! Our next trainings are August 10, 7-10 p.m. in Spanish and August 13, 2-5 p.m. in English. Complete the program form first HERE then register for the August 10 Spanish event HERE or the August 13 English event HERE.
August 16 – Community Workshop on Children’s Vaccines
Do you or someone you know have questions about their children’s vaccines? Attend our next community workshop on August 16 at 8 p.m. MT to get answers without judgment. Click here to register. This workshop will be led by mom and pediatric physician’s assistant, Rebecca Reveal, PA-C.
With wildfires currently burning in Idaho and Oregon, we must prepare as the risk of poor air quality increases in Malheur County. There are currently smoke advisories in Weiser and Idaho City, Idaho and across Southern Oregon.
Wildfires and severe smoke can create dangerous conditions for people, especially those with chronic health conditions. Learn about current wildfires, wildfire smoke conditions, and what you can do to reduce the health effects of wildfire smoke.
The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles. These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system, where they can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis. Fine particles also can aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases. If you are healthy, you’re usually not at a major risk from short-term exposures to smoke. Still, it’s a good idea to avoid breathing smoke if you can help it.
Everyone should take the steps below when wildfires are present.
Use common sense. If it looks smoky outside, it’s probably not a good time to mow the lawn or go for a run. And it’s probably not a good time for your children to play outdoors.
Pay attention to local air quality reports. Stay alert to smoke-related news coverage or health warnings.
If you are advised to stay indoors, take steps to keep indoor air as clean as possible. When smoke levels are high, try to avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves – and even candles! Don’t vacuum. That stirs up particles already inside your home. And don’t smoke. That puts even more pollution in your lungs, and in the lungs of people around you.
If you have asthma or other lung disease, make sure you follow your doctor’s directions about taking your medicines and following your asthma management plan. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
Run your air conditioner if you have one. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. Note: If you don’t have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. In these cases, seek alternative shelter.
If you have heart or lung disease, if you are an older adult, or if you have children, talk with your doctor about whether and when you should leave the area. When smoke is heavy for a prolonged period of time, fine particles can build up indoors, even though you may not be able to see them.
Please share this exciting opportunity for older adults! Thanks to the Malheur Council on Aging, Vale Senior Community Center, and Malheur Drug. We hope many people will be vaccinated and have a great time!
Click on the flyer to download as PDF or click HERE.
Tick exposure can occur year-round, but ticks are most active during warmer months. Brown Dog and Rocky Mountain Wood Ticks are in the Idaho and Oregon region, that can bite and transmit disease to people. Some ticks carry pathogens that can cause human disease, including Colorado Tick Fever and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Rocky Mountain Wood Tick
Brown Dog Tick
Before You Go Outdoors
Know where to expect ticks. Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, or even on animals. Spending time outside walking your dog, camping, gardening, or hunting could bring you in close contact with ticks. Many people get ticks in their own yard or neighborhood.
Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings. Alternatively, you can buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. EPA’s helpful search tool can help you find the product that best suits your needs. Always follow product instructions. Do not use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3 years old.
Avoid Contact with Ticks
Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.
Walk in the center of trails.
After You Come Indoors
Check your clothing for ticks. Ticks may be carried into the house on clothing. Any ticks that are found should be removed. Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors. If the clothes are damp, additional time may be needed. If the clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended. Cold and medium temperature water will not kill ticks.
Examine gear and pets. Ticks can ride into the home on clothing and pets, then attach to a person later, so carefully examine pets, coats, and daypacks.
Shower soon after being outdoors. Showering within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease and may be effective in reducing the risk of other tickborne diseases. Showering may help wash off unattached ticks and it is a good opportunity to do a tick check.
Check your body for ticks after being outdoors. Conduct a full body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas, including your own backyard. Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body. Check these parts of your body and your child’s body for ticks:
Where to check for ticks
Tick Removal
If you find a tick attached to your skin, there’s no need to panic—the key is to remove the tick as soon as possible. There are several tick removal devices on the market, but a plain set of fine-tipped tweezers work very well.
How to remove a tick
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. If you are unable to remove the mouth easily with clean tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.
After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
Never crush a tick with your fingers. Dispose of a live tick by putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet.
Follow up: If you develop a rash or fever within several weeks of removing a tick, see your doctor. Be sure to tell the doctor about your recent tick bite, when the bite occurred, and where you most likely acquired the tick.
Malheur County Health Department 
