ADRIAN — The Lenawee County Board of Health received a detailed update Wednesday on the latest COVID variant trends and vaccination rates. Medical Director Dr. Dennis Chernin said a new subvariant, NB.1.8.1, is now active and part of the Omicron family.
Chernin addressed the board during its July 16 meeting in Adrian. He said the current strain represents an “antigenic drift,” meaning the virus has changed slightly but remains covered by existing Omicron-based vaccines.
He noted that only 23% of U.S. adults and 13% of children are receiving COVID vaccines at present. Most immunity now comes from a mix of prior infections and earlier vaccines. He explained that COVID remains deadly, with approximately 500 deaths per month nationally, and urged continued protection for seniors and immunocompromised people.
Chernin added that Paxlovid remains the most effective treatment. While not a cure, it helps suppress symptoms in vulnerable patients. Wastewater monitoring is now the primary method for tracking infections, as clinical testing and reporting have dropped significantly.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention no longer requires formal case reporting. Updated guidance now allows individuals to return to public settings 24 hours after symptoms resolve.
Chernin said COVID is now considered endemic rather than pandemic, though global circulation continues. He encouraged ongoing caution and mask use in high-risk settings, especially during colder months when transmission may increase.