Marshall County is experiencing an increased rate of positive COVID-19 cases this week after several weeks with a three percent rate of positivity.

The increase in virus activity is slightly up from three to four percent. In the last seven days, 43 positive cases have been found in the county, according to data from the Iowa Department of Public Health.

The county has had 7,115 positive cases since the start of the pandemic, the 16th most of any county in the state, at a rate of 16,454 positive cases per 100,000 in population. Buena Vista County has the highest rate of positive cases per 100,000 in population with 29,597.

The rate of positivity around the state is more than 10 percent. There have been a total of 549,236 positive cases in the state throughout the pandemic, including 8,254 in the last seven days.

Twenty-one percent of positive COVID cases in the last seven days have occurred in children ages 17 or younger, the most of any age group. Adults 80 and older make up just three percent of new cases, the fewest of any age group.

In Iowa, 102 new COVID related deaths were reported this week, up from 97 a week ago. Marshall County did not report any new deaths. Fifty-four percent of all COVID deaths in Iowa have occurred among people 80 or older, which is the most by age group. Adults ages 70 to 79 account for the second largest share of the deaths at 22 percent.

COVID hospitalizations are again increasing as 544 patients are currently hospitalized with COVID infection, including 99 admitted in the last 24 hours. Of all hospitalizations, more than 76 percent are hospitalized for COVID-19 and not fully vaccinated against the virus. There are 123 patients in intensive care, and more than 78 percent of them are not fully vaccinated. Seventy-four percent of hospitalizations list COVID as the primary diagnosis.

Hospitalizations are reaching similar numbers to October of 2020. On Nov. 16, 2020, hospitalizations reached their peak in Iowa with 413 patients.

The IDPH website does not yet report vaccination numbers for 5-12 year olds. Among all other people eligible for the vaccine, 56 percent of the state is vaccinated, including more than 59 percent in Marshall County. More than 4 million doses have been administered, and 68 percent of people 18 or older have been fully vaccinated. Statewide, more than 90 percent of adults ages 80 and older are vaccinated, and Marshall County tops this number with 94 percent vaccinated.

Long-term care facility outbreaks increased from 26 to 29 active outbreaks this week. IDPH no longer reports where outbreaks occur.

COVID-19 IN MARSHALL COUNTY

• Seven day percent of positive test rate: 4 percent

• Seven day number of cases: 43

• CDC transmission level: HIGH

• Eligible and Fully vaccinated (not included 5-11 year old): 59 percent

• New deaths this week: 0

• Total deaths: 92