West Virginia reported 1,097 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday as active cases increased to 3,154. That’s 83 more active cases than were reported Tuesday, according to the Department of Health and Human Resources’ coronavirus dashboard.
State health experts have said active case counts could be undercounted by anywhere from 10% to 30% due to an end in free testing, a decrease in total testing and the availability of home tests, the results of which cannot be reported to the state or local health departments.
To date, 7,129 residents have died from COVID-19 infections. More than 84% of deaths reported since vaccines became available in January 2021 have been people who are unvaccinated, per the dashboard.
As of Wednesday, 332 West Virginians — including six children — were hospitalized for COVID-19 infections. That’s three more patients than were reported Tuesday. Of those hospitalized, 44 patients — including three children — were in intensive care units and 12 were receiving care on ventilators.
More than 56% of those hospitalized were unvaccinated, per the dashboard. That decreased to 50% unvaccinated for those in the ICU. Six of the 12 patients receiving care on ventilators report being unvaccinated. It’s unclear whether those considered “fully vaccinated” have received recommended booster doses, as the state does not report hospitalization data with that information.
Being fully vaccinated and boosted is still the most effective way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization or death from COVID-19. Anyone six months or older is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. For children younger than three, contact a pediatrician or local health department to schedule a vaccination appointment.
About 57% of eligible West Virginians are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and another 9% report being partially vaccinated. Of those fully vaccinated, nearly 53% have received a booster dose.
Booster doses are available to anyone 5 and older who previously received an initial round of an mRNA vaccine at least five months ago, or the Johnson & Johnson one-shot two months ago. Second booster doses are recommended for individuals over 50 years old and for those with underlying conditions.
Caity Coyne covers health. She can be reached at 304-348-7939 or caity.coyne@hdmediallc.com. Follow @CaityCoyne on Twitter.
