Grant County sees increase in Strep throat

GRANT COUNTY – According to Community Counseling Solutions Director Kimberly Lindsay, Grant County has experienced an increase in Strep (Group A Streptococcus bacteria) within Grant County.  Symptomatic individuals have been receiving negative COVID-19 tests and returning to school or work, unknowingly spreading Strep. For this reason, the health department now requires symptomatic individuals to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider before scheduling a COVID-19 test. 

In a public health email today, Lindsay wrote, “This will allow us to further evaluate symptoms and actively reduce the spread of other harmful infectious diseases.  We will be reviewing this approach on an ongoing basis and will communicate any changes as they come about.  Asymptomatic individuals can make an appointment for a COVID-19 test at the health department without seeing a primary care provider.”

She noted that residents won’t be billed for the COVID-19 test, but will be charged for the appointment with the provider. She assured our newsroom that, “It isn’t about the money,” but to prevent further spread of Group A Streptococcus bacteria throughout the community.

CCS also issued the latest COVID-19 positive case notification for Grant County. Find it below:

The GCHD is announcing that one new individual has been identified as positive for COVID-19 in Grant County. They reside within the 97845 zip code. The individual is working with their health care provider for proper care and safety, and we are contacting other individuals who meet the definition of close contacts.

We continue to encourage all residents to take the following precautions.

• Wear mask indoors and wear a mask outdoors if 6 feet of distancing cannot be maintained.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Stay home if you feel ill.

After someone contracts COVID-19, if they develop symptoms they will usually appear within 14 days.

Symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

We would urge those who present with these symptoms to call 211 or the Grant County Health Department at 541-575-0429.

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Elkhorn Media Group