DOVER, DE (Sept. 8, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising residents who live or spend time in the vicinity of Route 16 in Greenwood between Judy Road (Road 611) and Century Farm Road (Road 630) of a positive case of rabies in a fox that bit a human on Friday, Sept. 3. The fox was tested for rabies, which returned positive results. The individual who was bit has begun treatment for rabies exposure.

Anyone who thinks they may have been bitten, scratched, or come in contact with a fox in this area should immediately contact their health care provider or call the DPH Rabies Program at 302-744-4995. An epidemiologist is available 24/7. Anyone in the area who thinks a fox might have bitten their pet should call their private veterinarian for examination, treatment, and to report the exposure to the Delaware Department of Agriculture.

Rabies is a preventable disease. DPH recommends that individuals take the following steps to prevent rabies exposure:

• All dogs, cats, and ferrets 6 months of age and older are required by Delaware law to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
• Pet owners can reduce the possibility of pets being exposed to rabies by keeping them indoors and not letting them roam free. It is especially important for pet owners who do allow their cats to roam outdoors to vaccinate their pets.
• Do not touch or otherwise handle wild or unfamiliar animals, including cats and dogs, even if they appear friendly.
• Do not keep your pet’s food or water outdoors; bowls can attract wild and stray animals.
• Do not feed feral animals, including cats, as the risk of rabies in wildlife is significant.
• Spaying or neutering your pet may reduce the tendency to roam or fight and, thus, reduce the chance they will be exposed to rabies.
• Keep your garbage securely covered.
• Consider vaccinating livestock and horses, as well. It is recommended to consult with your private veterinarian if you have any questions regarding whether your animal(s) should be vaccinated against rabies.

Since Jan. 1, 2021, the Division of Public Health has performed rabies tests on 136 animals, nine of which were confirmed to be rabid, which includes one dog, one raccoon, one skunk, two cats, three bats, and this fox. DPH only announces those rabies cases for which it is possible the animal had unknown contacts with additional humans or pets.

In 2020, DPH performed rabies tests on 121 animals, four of which were confirmed to be rabid, including one raccoon, one bat, and two cats.

Rabies is an infectious disease affecting the nervous system of humans and other mammals. Infection can occur through the bite or scratch of an infected animal or if saliva from such an animal gets into the eyes, nose, mouth, or an opening in the skin. Rabies in humans and animals cannot be cured once symptoms appear. Therefore, if a human has been exposed, and the animal is unavailable to be quarantined or tested, DPH recommends that people receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment, a series of four vaccinations, as a precautionary measure.

If You Encounter an Animal Behaving Aggressively:

• If you encounter a wild animal behaving aggressively, it is recommended you contact the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 302-735-3600. Staff will determine whether it is more appropriate to refer callers to a private nuisance wildlife control operator. A listing of nuisance wildlife control operators can be found at https://wildlifehelp.org. Calls after hours and on weekends can be made to the 24-hour dispatch number at 800-523-3336.
• Do not throw items at the animal or make loud banging noises, which may startle the animal and cause it to attack. Instead, your initial response – if the animal is behaving in an aggressive manner or appears to be foaming at the mouth – should be to raise your hands above your head to make yourself appear larger to the animal while slowly backing away from it. If the animal starts coming toward you, raise your voice and yell sternly at it, “Get away!” If all that fails, use any means to protect yourself including throwing an object at the animal or trying to keep it away by using a long stick, shovel, or fishing pole.
• If you encounter a stray or feral domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, behaving aggressively, contact the Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646.

If You Encounter a Sick or Injured Animal:

• To report a sick or hurt wild animal, Delaware residents are asked to contact the DNREC’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 302-735-3600. Staff will determine whether it is more appropriate to refer callers to a permitted volunteer wildlife rehabilitator.
• If you encounter a sick stray domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, contact the Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646.

For more information on the DPH rabies program, visit www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html or call 1-866-972-9705 or 302-744-4995. For more information on rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/rabies.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of 6 p.m. Thursday, September 2, 2021.

A total of 121,283 positive cases of COVID-19 among Delaware residents have been reported to DPH since March 11, 2020. The seven-day average of new positive cases increased to 396.7 as of Thursday, September 2, 2021.

As of Tuesday, August 31, the seven-day average for the percentage of total tests that were positive was 7.6%, an increase from 7.4% of Tuesday, August 24. There is a two-day lag for presenting data related to percent of tests that are positive to account for the time delay between the date of the test and the date that DPH receives the test result.

In addition, 233 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, an increase of 23 from last week. Forty-eight of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, an increase of 14 from last week.

A total of 1,888 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Thirteen deaths were reported in the past week, seven of which were from a review of vital statistics. The total number of individuals who have died from COVID-19 range in age from younger than 5 to 104 years old. Of those who have died, 956 were female and 932 were male. A total of 937 individuals were from New Castle County, 392 were from Kent County, and 559 were from Sussex County.

Protect Yourself During the Labor Day Weekend:
With the holiday weekend upon us and many people enjoying the last long weekend of the summer, it is important to remind those who are not vaccinated that the best protection against COVID-19 is to continue to wear a mask and to get vaccinated as soon as possible. COVID-19 cases are on the rise and Delawareans should make the necessary effort to protect themselves against the virus.

According to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Delawareans should consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated. To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, DPH strongly encourages wearing a mask indoors in public.

DelVAX Public Access Portal:
Delawareans can now access their immunization record through the DelVAX Public Access Portal. Parents and legal guardians can print official immunization records for their child/children (ages 0 through 17 years), and adults (ages 18 years and over) can print an official immunization record for themselves. For information and link for the DelVAX Public Access Portal: https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/ipp/portalflyer.pdf. This portal will assist those who need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination but may have lost their vaccination card. While DPH does not replace the card, Delawareans now have an easier way to access their vaccination record. DelVAX is the official record for a person’s vaccination data. Individuals who need assistance can call 1-800-282-8672, or email DelVAX@delaware.gov. Responses to emails and calls received after regular business hours or on weekends may take up to 48 hours.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 76.3% of Delawareans ages 18+ have received at least one dose of the vaccine. As of 12:01 a.m. September 3, 2021, a total of 1,123,792 administered doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been reported to the state’s immunization information system, DelVAX. Among Delawareans 12+, 559,801 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 500,441 Delawareans are fully vaccinated. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.

Vaccines are the best protection we have against COVID-19 and circulating variants. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine and the vaccination rollout in Delaware, visit de.gov/covidvaccine.

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report:
The following report captures a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for August 23 – August 29. The report highlights the significant percentage of cases and hospitalized individuals in Delaware who are unvaccinated, or only partially vaccinated. Vaccination continues to be the most important factor in reducing deaths and hospitalizations from COVID-19.

 

Weekly Overview (8/23 -8/29)
Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	2023
Total Cases	2582
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	78%
Hospitalizations
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	100
Total Hospitalized Cases	117
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	85%
Deaths
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	8
Total COVID-19 Deaths	9
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	89%

 

Breakthrough Cases:
To date, 500,441 Delawareans have been fully vaccinated. Of those, there have been 1,843 breakthrough cases of COVID-19, occurring in approximately four-tenths of 1 percent of vaccinated individuals. Forty-five of the reported breakthrough cases identified since vaccinations began involved hospitalizations and 21 individuals passed away, although it does not mean COVID-19 was the cause of death. Breakthrough cases continue to be extremely rare given the total number of persons who are fully vaccinated, and the science is clear, the best way to prevent serious illness from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated.

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more – although it does not mean that the infection actually occurred after vaccination.

Update on COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware:
As of Friday, September 3, the Division of Public Health has identified the following COVID-19 variants in Delaware through routine surveillance of test specimens. These variants are based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list of Variants of Concern and Variants of Interest. The below table represents cumulative totals.

Variants of Concern				Variants of Interest
Variant	Origin	# of Cases		Variant	Origin	# of Cases
Alpha/B.1.1.7	United Kingdom	1007		Eta/B.1.525	UK/Nigeria (formerly New York, US)	2
Beta/B.1.351	South Africa	1		Iota/B.1.526/B.1526.1	New York, US	330
Gamma/P.1	Brazil	64
Delta/B.1.617.2	India	415

 

Of the test samples that were sequenced in the last week, 159 (69.4%) of the 229 test samples sequenced at the DPH Lab were positive for a variant strain, as were 2 additional specimens sequenced at an outside lab. Ninety-nine percent of the 161 variant positive samples this week were identified as the Delta variant strain.

The Delaware Public Health Laboratory has sequenced 4,109 specimens for COVID-19 variant strains to date. In aggregate, the cases include 1,515 adults ranging in age from 18-98, as well as 304 individuals under the age of 18. A total of 1,316 individuals were from New Castle County, 260 were from Kent County and 243 were from Sussex County.

Virus mutation is common. Sequencing for variants is a complex process and is not used for diagnosing COVID-19. It is used after a positive case of COVID-19 has been identified for surveillance purposes, or in identifying the presence of a variant strain in the community. When variant strains are identified, public health approaches and treatments do not currently change. Because these variants may spread more easily, it is even more important that unvaccinated individuals who are more susceptible to getting COVID-19 continue taking the necessary steps to avoid spreading the virus – wearing a mask, washing your hands, and being cautious when attending large gatherings.

The science is clear that the vaccines are extremely safe and effective even against variants – and Delawareans who are fully vaccinated have significant protection from COVID-19 infection and serious illness. We would encourage all Delawareans to get vaccinated – de.gov/getmyvaccine.

For more information regarding CDC variant classifications, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/variant-surveillance/variant-info.html.

DPH COVID Vaccine Mobile Units:
DPH officials in partnership with medical staff from the Delaware National Guard (DNG) have launched mobile units to offer COVID-19 vaccines in underserved communities. Medically trained DNG staff are offering the Pfizer vaccine (for ages 12+) and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (for persons 18+). These mobile units are visiting communities with low vaccination rates in an effort to eliminate potential barriers to access. The mobile units, which utilize trailers to transport the vaccine and provide vaccinations, are scheduled to visit these communities in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties next week. COVID-19 testing will be available at each location.

Tuesday, September 7
Royal Farm, Hartley, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Shoppes at Hamlet, Dover, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Bancroft Elementary School, Wilmington, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 8
Immanuel United Methodist Church, Cheswold, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Wawa, 2800 N DuPont Hwy, Dover,1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 9
Dollar General, Seaford, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Bethel Market, Bethel, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Goodwill, 300 E Lea Blvd, Wilmington, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Friday, September 10
Congo Funeral Home, Wilmington, 10 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

*dates may be rescheduled if there is inclement weather

For a full list of community-based events statewide including those organized by vaccinating partners and community groups at de.gov/getmyvaccine.

Long-term Care Statistics:
As of 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, there have been a total of 2,851 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 831 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Symptoms and Testing:
It’s especially important for unvaccinated persons to be aware of and self-monitor for the symptoms of COVID-19. DPH recommends that unvaccinated people get tested once a week. Even fully vaccinated persons should get tested if they develop symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, shaking with chills, loss of smell or taste, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, or headache or congestion or runny nose without a known cause such as allergies. Other symptoms such as abdominal pain or lack of appetite have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation by a primary care provider.

Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are:

Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

Delawareans 18 or older are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play

Questions related to business re-openings or operations as businesses re-open should go to COVID19FAQ@delaware.gov. Questions regarding unemployment claims should be emailed to: UIClaims@delaware.gov.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

DOVER (AUGUST 14, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of 6 p.m. Thursday, August 12, 2021.

A total of 113,853 positive cases of COVID-19 among Delaware residents have been reported to DPH since March 11, 2020. The seven-day average of new positive cases increased to 225.6 as of Thursday, August 12, 2021.

As of Tuesday, August 10, the seven-day average for the percentage of total tests that were positive was 6.2% an increase from 4.8% as of Tuesday, August 10. There is a two-day lag for presenting data related to percent of tests that are positive to account for the time delay between the date of the test and the date that DPH receives the test result.

In addition, 111 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, an increase of 40 from last week. Ten of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, an increase of two from last week.

A total of 1,837 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Two deaths were reported in the past week. The total number of individuals who have died from COVID-19 range in age from younger than 5 to 104 years old. Of those who have died, 929 were female and 908 were male. A total of 907 individuals were from New Castle County, 383 were from Kent County, and 547 were from Sussex County.

Expanded COVID-19 Vaccine EUAs for Dose Third Dose in Certain Immunocompromised Persons:

Friday, after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for both the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to allow for the administration of an additional dose in certain immunocompromised individuals, the CDC endorsed that recommendation.  Providers may administer a third dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines to individuals in the following categories who received either vaccine the first time: recipients of organ or stem cell transplants, people with advance or untreated HIV infection, active recipients of treatment for cancer, people who are taking some medications that weaken the immune system, and others.  The third dose may only be administered at least four weeks (28 days) after completing the original two-dose vaccine series. This guidance does not apply to immunocompromised persons who received the J&J vaccines as the FDA and CDC did not have adequate data to make the same recommendation. Emerging data suggest some people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems do not always build the same level of immunity compared to people who are not immunocompromised, and as a result may benefit from a third dose of the mRNA vaccines. At this time, the CDC does not recommend additional doses or booster shots for any other population. For more information, visit  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html.

 

DPH Encourages Testing After Participating in Large Gatherings and Events:

Given the significant increase in recent COVID-19 cases and the large number of gatherings and events that traditionally take place this month, it is recommended that individuals get tested if they have attended a large public gathering such as a concert, community-based event, or any such event where social distancing was not possible and the vaccination status of others is unknown. You should also get tested if you attended gatherings such as birthday parties, off-to-college parties, or weddings where people were in close contact and you were unable to confirm vaccination status of those around you, especially if the gatherings were indoors. A list of testing locations can be found at [de.gov/gettested]de.gov/gettested. Additionally, at-home test options are listed on the site, including take-home COVID-19 test kits available at Delaware Libraries. These rapid antigen test kits produce results in as little as 15 minutes and are meant for you to have on hand at home if someone develops symptoms. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, do not come to a library for a test kit.

Update to Emergency Mask Regulation:

The Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Education made technical corrections to Thursday’s emergency face mask regulations. The updated orders are here and the requirements remain the same as previously announced: masks must be worn by staff, visitors, and kindergarten-aged students and above inside school buildings and child care centers whenever children are present. Schools and child care centers are strongly encouraged to require masks for children ages 2-4.

COVID-19 Vaccinations: 

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 74% of Delawareans ages 18+ have received at least one dose of the vaccine. As of 12:01 a.m. August 13, 2021, a total of 1,080,285 administered doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been reported to the state’s immunization information system, DelVAX. Among Delawareans 12+, 541,301 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 478,681 Delawareans are fully vaccinated. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.

Vaccines are the best protection we have against COVID-19 and circulating variants. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine and the vaccination rollout in Delaware, visit de.gov/covidvaccine.

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report:

DPH will be providing a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations in the Friday press releases. This first report captures the time frame for August 2 – August 8. The report highlights the significant percentage of cases and hospitalized individuals who are unvaccinated, or only partially vaccinated, in Delaware. Vaccination continues to be the most important factor in reducing deaths and hospitalizations from COVID-19.

Weekly Overview (8/2 – 8/8)
Cases
Total Unvaccinated/ Partially Vaccinated Cases	1024
Total Cases	1293
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	79%
Deaths
Unvaccinated/ Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	2
COVID-19 Deaths	4
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	50%
Hospitalizations
Unvaccinated/ Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	64
Total Hospitalized Cases	75
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	85%

 

Breakthrough Cases 

To date, 478,681 Delawareans have been fully vaccinated. Of those, there have been 904 breakthrough cases of COVID-19, occurring in approximately two-tenths of 1 percent of vaccinated individuals. Thirty of the reported breakthrough cases identified since vaccinations began, involved hospitalizations and 10 individuals passed away, although it does not mean COVID-19 was the cause of death. Breakthrough cases continue to be extremely rare given the total number of persons who are fully vaccinated, and the science is clear, the best way to prevent serious illness from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated.

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more – although it does not mean that the infection actually occurred after vaccination.

Update on COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware

As of Friday, August 13, the Division of Public Health has identified the following COVID-19 variants in Delaware through routine surveillance of test specimens. These variants are based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list of Variants of Concern and Variants of Interest. Seventy-four percent of the 46 test samples sequenced at the DPH Lab were positive for a variant strain, as were five additional specimens sequenced at an outside lab. This brings the total of variant positive samples to 39 for the week. All were identified as the Delta variant strain.

Variants of Concern
Variant	Origin	# of cases
Alpha/B.1.1.7	United Kingdom	992
Beta/B.1.351	South Africa	1
Gamma/P.1	Brazil	63
Delta/B.1.617.2	India	119

Variants of Interest
Variant	Origin	# of cases
Eta/B.1.525	UK/Nigeria (formerly New York, US)	2
Iota/B.1.526/B.1526.1	New York, US	329
Epsilon/B.1.427	California, US	10
Epsilon/B.1.429	California, US	11

The Delaware Public Health Laboratory has sequenced 3,603 specimens for COVID-19 variant strains to date, including 46 within the past week. In aggregate, the cases include 1,260 adults ranging in age from 18-98, as well as 266 individuals under the age of 18. One thousand one hundred and forty-three individuals were from New Castle County, 199 were from Kent County and 184 were from Sussex County.

Virus mutation is common. Sequencing for variants is a complex process and not used for diagnosing COVID-19. It is used after a positive case of COVID-19 has been identified for surveillance purposes, or in identifying the presence of a variant strain in the community. When variant strains are identified, public health approaches and treatments do not currently change. But because these variants may spread more easily, it is even more important that unvaccinated individuals who are more susceptible to getting COVID-19 continue taking the necessary steps to avoid spreading the virus – wearing a mask, washing your hands, and being cautious when attending large gatherings.

The science is clear that the vaccines are extremely safe and effective even against variants – and Delawareans who are fully vaccinated have significant protection from COVID-19 infection and serious illness. We would encourage all Delawareans to get vaccinated – de.gov/getmyvaccine.

For more information regarding CDC variant classifications, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/variant-surveillance/variant-info.html. 

DPH COVID Vaccine Mobile Units:

DPH in partnership with medical staff from the Delaware National Guard (DNG) have launched mobile units to offer COVID-19 vaccines in underserved communities. Medically trained DNG staff are offering the Pfizer vaccine (for ages 12+) and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (for persons 18+). These mobile units are visiting communities with low vaccination rates in an effort to eliminate potential barriers to access. The mobile units, which utilize trailers to transport the vaccine and provide vaccinations, are scheduled to visit these communities in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties next week. COVID-19 testing will be available at each location.

Tuesday, August 17

Redner’s Warehouse Markets, Dover, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Lowes, Dover, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 18

The Goodwill Center, Wilmington, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Wilmington Farmers Market, Wilmington, 10:00 am – 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 19

Laurel Junction, Laurel, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Greenwood Fire Department, Greenwood, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Helen Chambers Park, Wilmington, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

*dates may be rescheduled if there is inclement weather

For a full list of community-based events statewide including those organized by vaccinating partners and community groups at de.gov/getmyvaccine.

 Long-term Care Statistics

As of 6:00 p.m. Thursday, August 12, there have been a total of 2,796 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 825 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Symptoms and Testing

It’s especially important for unvaccinated persons, to be aware of, and self-monitor for, the symptoms of COVID-19.  Even fully vaccinated persons should get tested if they develop symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, shaking with chills, loss of smell or taste, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, or headache or congestion or runny nose without a known cause such as allergies. Other symptoms such as abdominal pain or lack of appetite have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation by a primary care provider.

Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are:

Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

Delawareans 18 or older are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play 

Questions related to business re-openings or operations as businesses re-open should go to COVID19FAQ@delaware.gov. Questions regarding unemployment claims should be emailed to: UIClaims@delaware.gov.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

DOVER, DE (Aug. 12, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising Dover residents who live or spend time in the area of the intersection of routes 1 and 42 in Dover of a possible case of rabies in a fox that bit a human on August 9. The fox was tested for rabies on August 11, but results were indeterminant. Out of an abundance of caution, DPH is assuming the fox was rabid and advising members of the community to take precautions. DPH is contacting the individual who was bitten to recommend treatment.

Anyone who thinks they may have been bitten, scratched, or come in contact with a fox in this area should immediately contact their health care provider or call the DPH Rabies Program at 302-744-4995. An epidemiologist is available 24/7. Anyone in the area who thinks a fox might have bitten their pet should call their private veterinarian for examination, treatment, and to report the exposure to Delaware Department of Agriculture.

Rabies is a preventable disease. DPH recommends that individuals take the following steps to prevent rabies exposure:

• All dogs, cats, and ferrets 6 months of age and older are required by Delaware law to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
• Pet owners can reduce the possibility of pets being exposed to rabies by keeping them indoors and not letting them roam free. It is especially important for pet owners who do allow their cats to roam outdoors to vaccinate their pets.
• Do not touch or otherwise handle wild or unfamiliar animals, including cats and dogs, even if they appear friendly.
• Do not keep your pet’s food or water outdoors; bowls can attract wild and stray animals.
• Do not feed feral animals, including cats, as the risk of rabies in wildlife is significant.
• Spaying or neutering your pet may reduce the tendency to roam or fight and, thus, reduce the chance they will be exposed to rabies.
• Keep your garbage securely covered.
• Consider vaccinating livestock and horses, as well. It is recommended to consult with your private veterinarian if you have any questions regarding whether your animal(s) should be vaccinated against rabies.

Since January 1, 2021, DPH has performed rabies tests on 107 animals, seven of which were confirmed to be rabid, which includes two cats, one dog, one raccoon, one skunk, and two bats. DPH only announces those rabies cases for which it is possible the animal had unknown contacts with additional humans or pets.

In 2020, DPH performed rabies tests on 121 animals, four of which were confirmed to be rabid, including one raccoon, one bat, and two cats.

Rabies is an infectious disease affecting the nervous system of humans and other mammals. Infection can occur through the bite or scratch of an infected animal or if saliva from such an animal gets into the eyes, nose, mouth, or an opening in the skin. Rabies in humans and animals cannot be cured once symptoms appear. Therefore, if a human has been exposed, and the animal is unavailable to be quarantined or tested, DPH recommends that people receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment, a series of four vaccinations, as a precautionary measure.

 

If You Encounter an Animal Behaving Aggressively:

• If you encounter a wild animal behaving aggressively, it is recommended you contact the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 302-735-3600. Staff will determine whether it is more appropriate to refer callers to a private nuisance wildlife control operator. A listing of nuisance wildlife control operators can be found at https://wildlifehelp.org/. Calls after hours and on weekends can be made to the 24-hour dispatch number at 800-523-3336.
• Do not throw items at the animal or make loud banging noises, which may startle the animal and cause it to attack. Instead, your initial response – if the animal is behaving in an aggressive manner or appears to be foaming at the mouth – should be to raise your hands above your head to make yourself appear larger to the animal while slowly backing away from it. If the animal starts coming toward you, raise your voice and yell sternly at it, “Get away!” If all that fails, use any means to protect yourself including throwing an object at the animal or trying to keep it away by using a long stick, shovel, or fishing pole.
• If you encounter a stray or feral domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, behaving aggressively, contact the Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646.

If You Encounter a Sick or Injured Animal:

• To report a sick or hurt wild animal, Delaware residents are asked to contact the DNREC’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912 or 302-735-3600. Staff will determine whether it is more appropriate to refer callers to a permitted volunteer wildlife rehabilitator.
• If you encounter a sick stray domestic animal, such as a cat or dog, contact the Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646.

For more information on the DPH rabies program, visit www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html or call 1-866-972-9705 or 302-744-4995. For more information on rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/rabies/.

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Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DOVER (July 16, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of 6 p.m. Thursday, July 15, 2021.

A total of 110,270 positive cases of COVID-19 among Delaware residents have been reported to DPH since March 11, 2020. The seven-day average of new positive cases increased to 39 as of Thursday, July 15.

As of Tuesday, July 13, the seven-day average for the percentage of total tests that were positive was 1.8%, a slight increase from 1.7% as of Tuesday, July 6. There is a two-day lag for presenting data related to percent of tests that are positive to account for the time delay between the date of the test and the date that DPH receives the test result.

In addition, 37 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, an increase of six from last week. Four of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, down two from last week.

A total of 1,697 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Two deaths were reported in the last week; both individuals were not fully vaccinated. The total number of individuals who have died from COVID-19 range in age from younger than 5 to 104 years old. Of those who have died, 849 were female and 848 were male. A total of 847 individuals were from New Castle County, 349 were from Kent County, and 501 were from Sussex County.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 71.1% of Delawareans ages 18+ have received at least one dose of the vaccine. As of 12:01 a.m. July 16, a total of 1,034,119 administered doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been reported to the state’s immunization information system, DelVAX. Among Delawareans 12+, 516,065 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 460,420 Delawareans are fully vaccinated. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.

Vaccines are the best protection we have against COVID-19 and circulating variants. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine and the vaccination rollout in Delaware, visit de.gov/covidvaccine.

DPH COVID Vaccine Mobile Units:

DPH in partnership with medical staff from the Delaware National Guard (DNG) have launched mobile units to offer COVID-19 vaccines in underserved communities. Medically trained DNG staff are offering the Pfizer vaccine (for ages 12+) and the J&J vaccine (for persons 18+). These mobile units are visiting communities with low vaccination rates in an effort to eliminate potential barriers to access. The mobile units, which utilize trailers to transport the vaccine and provide vaccinations, are scheduled to visit these communities in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties next week.

Monday, July 19
West Center City (8^th & Washington Streets), Wilmington, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
P.S. DuPont Middle School, Wilmington, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 20
Country Farms Store, Dover, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Shoppes at Fieldstone (Redner’s Warehouse Markets), Dover, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 21
Emmanuel Dining Room East, Wilmington, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Adams Four Shopping Center, Wilmington, 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 22
Delmar Middle School, Delmar, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Laurel Middle School, Laurel, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Friday, July 23
AMS Fulfillment, New Castle, 12:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

*dates may be rescheduled if there is inclement weather

For a full list of community-based events statewide including those organized by vaccinating partners and community groups at de.gov/getmyvaccine.

Update on COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware

As of Friday, July 16, the Division of Public Health has identified the following COVID-19 variants in Delaware through routine surveillance of test specimens. These variants are based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list of Variants of Concern and Variants of Interest. This is the second week in a row that Delaware saw the number of Delta variant cases increase by eight.  For the week ending July 16, Delta was the predominant variant strain in Delaware.

Variants of Concern
Variant	Origin	# of cases
Alpha/B.1.1.7	United Kingdom	962
Beta/B.1.351	South Africa	1
Gamma/P.1	Brazil	56
Delta/B.1.617.2	India	31

 

Variants of Interest
Variant	Origin	# of cases
Eta/B.1.525	UK/Nigeria (formerly New York, US)	2
Iota/B.1.526/B.1526.1	New York, US	318
Epsilon/B.1.427	California, US	10
Epsilon/B.1.429	California, US	11

The Delaware Public Health Laboratory has sequenced 3,317 specimens for COVID-19 variant strains to date, including 35 within the past week.

Virus mutation is common. Public health approach and treatments are currently not any different, but as these variants may be more contagious, it is even more important that individuals who are not fully vaccinated remain vigilant and continue taking the necessary steps to avoid spreading the virus – wear a mask, wash your hands, avoid gatherings.

The science is clear that the vaccines are extremely safe and effective – and Delawareans who are fully vaccinated have significant protection from COVID-19 infection and serious illness. We would encourage all Delawareans to get vaccinated – de.gov/getmyvaccine.

For more information regarding CDC variant classifications, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/variant-surveillance/variant-info.html.

Breakthrough Cases

Vaccination significantly reduces the chance to developing COVID-19 or becoming seriously ill from it. To date, 460,420 Delawareans have been fully vaccinated. Of those, there have been 456 breakthrough cases of COVID-19, less than one-tenth of 1 percent.

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more – although it does not mean that the infection actually occurred after vaccination. Twenty-two of the reported breakthrough cases involved hospitalizations, six individuals passed away, although it does not mean COVID was the cause of death. Breakthrough cases are extremely rare, and the science is clear, the best way to prevent serious illness from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated.                                                            

Long-term Care Statistics

As of 6:00 p.m. Thursday, July 15, there have been a total of 2,759 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 760 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Symptoms and Testing

It’s especially important for unvaccinated persons, to be aware of, and self-monitor for, the symptoms of COVID-19.  Even fully vaccinated persons should get tested if they develop symptoms.

If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, shaking with chills, loss of smell or taste, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, or headache or congestion or runny nose without a known cause such as allergies. Other symptoms such as abdominal pain or lack of appetite have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation by a primary care provider.

Information about testing events, including community testing sites, permanent fixed testing sites, and free-standing sites operated by the health care systems and hospitals, are listed on the testing section of the Delaware coronavirus website at de.gov/gettested

DPH reminds Delawareans that if you believe you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have symptoms of illness, make sure to distance yourself from others, particularly vulnerable populations. Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions – including serious heart conditions, chronic lung conditions, including moderate to severe asthma, severe obesity and those who are immunocompromised, including through cancer treatment – may have a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are:

Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

Delawareans 18 or older are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play

Questions related to business re-openings or operations as businesses re-open should go to COVID19FAQ@delaware.gov. Questions regarding unemployment claims should be emailed to: UIClaims@delaware.gov.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.