Ventura County's COVID-19 wave may have peaked

Tom Kisken, Ventura County Star
·2 min read
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COVID-19 continues to infect people across Ventura County, but the wave that began more than a month ago may have hit a plateau, a public health official said Friday.

New state public health data show nearly 28 cases an infection a day per 100,000 county residents, more than five times higher than the rate in late April.

Rigoberto Vargas, the county's public health director, said the rate may creep slightly higher over the next several days but probably won't reach the peak in late May of 32 cases a day per 100,000 people.

"At best it's plateaued," Vargas said. "There’s still a high community transmission of the virus. People are still at risk of getting infected and those who are most vulnerable of being hospitalized."

A rapid COVID-19 test is processed.
A rapid COVID-19 test is processed.

The wave is driven by omicron subvariants with less severe illness than previous surges. Hospitalizations remained relatively stable with 36 patients admitted across the county as of Friday, including two in intensive care.

The reliance on home COVID-19 tests means infections may be even more prevalent than reported. Some clinic systems reported a high demand for COVIID-19 medication, particularly the Pfizer pill Paxlovid.

"We’re seeing more patients with COVID than we ever have," said Dr. Uldine Castel, chief medical officer for Primary Medical Group. Many of the patients complain of severe sore throats, sometimes accompanied by fever and diarrhea.

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Dr. Rachel Stern, chief medical quality officer for the Ventura County Health Care Agency's clinic system, said cases have risen but have not rivaled levels of previous surges.

"I wouldn’t say I’m alarmed," Stern said, citing the often mild or moderate illnesses. "The scariest part of COVID is when hospitals get full because then people can’t get what they need."

Vaccinations reduce the chance of infection but don't come close to eliminating it. County public health data show 46 infections a day among 100,000 unvaccinated people in a fluctuating rate, compared with 27 cases a day for vaccinated people.

Vargas urged vaccinations and booster shots, noting the protection also reduces the chance of hospitalization and death.

Officials in Alameda County reinstated an indoor mask mandate earlier this month and Los Angeles County officials said they may require coverings if the surge continues.

In Ventura County, masks are recommended indoors but people will continue to be able to make their own decisions, Vargas said, citing the region's high vaccination levels, low hospitalization volumes and concerns over whether a mandate would be followed.

"We're not seriously looking at any mandates at this point," he said.

Tom Kisken covers health care and other news for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at tom.kisken@vcstar.com or 805-437-0255.

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This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: COVID-19 wave may have hit a plateau but isn't falling yet