Janice R. Andrews
A concerning pattern is beginning to emerge throughout Indian Country as summer heatwaves continue: a dramatic increase of COVID-19 cases. Public health experts are worried that this increase in illnesses might portend a larger increase as the weather cools down in the upcoming months.
The founder and CEO of Seneca Scientific Solutions+, a public health and urban planning firm, Dean Seneca, stated, “We’re in the midst of a rapid run of COVID-19 cases throughout Indian Country.” Seneca, who goes by Seneca, stressed the abrupt increase in instances following a stable period earlier in the year. The COVID-19 caseload has been gradually increasing since the beginning of May or the end of April, he said. “However, infections appeared to level off and even decrease before soaring, beginning in mid-June.”
It’s crucial to remember that although the number of instances is rising, the proportion of severe cases is still low. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this year’s summer surge started around two months earlier than last year’s, when severe illnesses started to climb in early July and remained into September.
Areas of Interest and Concern
The increase in instances is concentrated in particular areas of the nation rather than being distributed throughout. The Indian Health Service (IHS) Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Loretta Christensen, reports that significant increases have been seen in Albuquerque, Billings, Oklahoma, and Portland. Infection rates are also rising in Hawaii and Minnesota.
“The rates of severe disease remain low, despite an increase in cases,” Dr. Christensen wrote to ICT by email. Though statistics indicate that the U.S. may experience a slow increase of infections before to a more substantial winter spike, possibly beginning in November, the situation is being constantly watched.
Variants’ Significance
The introduction of new variations, especially the KP.3.1.1 form, which became prevalent around the beginning of August, is one of the elements fueling the current increase. The Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health’s infectious disease program lead, Dr. Laura Hammitt, emphasized the ambiguity surrounding the seasonality of COVID-19 infections. “Our understanding of the seasonality of COVID-19 infections is still developing,” she stated. “And I believe that the emergence of new variants is a major factor that drives a lot of it.”
There is worry that COVID-19 may defy the common pattern of viral changes making viruses more contagious but less lethal. The transmissibility and lethality of COVID-19 actually increased between 2020 and 2022, according to a 2023 research, indicating that future versions may be even more skilled at eluding human immune systems.
The Value of Immunization
Health professionals advise people to prioritize getting vaccinated and to remain watchful in light of recent developments. Dr. Hammitt emphasized that the best defense against serious illness for both individuals and others is still having had all recommended vaccinations. She did, however, note that broad immunization initiatives face substantial obstacles due to the perception of low infection risk and the depletion of resources, including availability to COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.
In addition to outreach in isolated or rural tribal communities, “that reduction in resources means that it’s much harder to conduct the type of outreach events that were really critical to driving up vaccine coverage,” according to Hammitt.
Immunization rates have declined over time in native communities, despite early gains. The management of chronic conditions and preventative services have become more important to many tribal nations and healthcare professionals than COVID-19. The CDC reports that of all the known ethnic groups, adult Native Americans and Alaska Natives had the lowest immunization rates, with less than 70% having received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Handling Reluctance to Vaccinate
In Indian Country, vaccination reluctance persists as some people voice concerns about the vaccines’ effectiveness. “I have heard stories from people who were vaccinated, but they still contracted COVID,” stated Hammitt. She did, however, issue a warning: vaccinations are essential in lowering the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, or even death, even if they may not always be able to prevent infection. She said, “And it also lowers the chance of developing long COVID.”
Given that Native Americans have greater rates of pre-existing diseases like diabetes and cancer, they are especially vulnerable to severe sickness. In many populations, protracted COVID, a disorder marked by symptoms that persist long after the original infection, is also a major issue.
Seneca stated, “I’m afraid about the long COVID concerns since we don’t really know how they’re going to affect our communities right now. In order to reduce these hazards, he underlined the significance of maintaining preventative measures including mask wearing, social separation, and immunization.
Getting Ready for the Future
The number of COVID-19 cases in Indian Country is still rising, therefore medical professionals are warning people to exercise caution. IHS physician Dr. Christensen emphasized the significance of immunizations, testing, and proper hygiene habits. “When someone exhibits symptoms consistent with COVID, we advise them to get tested and stay informed,” the spokesperson stated. “Maintain current immunization records, engage in good hygiene, and enhance indoor ventilation.”
Amidst the increasing number of instances, several IHS clinics have reinstated masking rules, and healthcare institutions continue to provide access to all tests and medicines.
It is evident from the recent spike in COVID-19 cases throughout Indian Country that the epidemic is still active. The wisest course of action is still to take preventive steps to protect oneself and the community while specialists continue to investigate the virus and its varieties.
