MOHAVE COUNTY – Mohave County Department of Public Health Director Denise Burley provided COVID-19 trend analysis as she addressed more than 20 participants in Tuesday’s Tri-City council meeting conducted via Zoom. She said higher vaccination rates among the county’s older population is shifting increasing case and death numbers to more youthful residents.

“The average age of cases is decreasing. Throughout the pandemic the average age of cases has been around 47 years of age,” Burley said. “In May and June the average ages were 42.9 and 40.4 respectively, and July is dropping into the upper 30’s.”

Burley said those who die of COVID-19 in the county are increasingly younger.

“In May and June the average age of deaths dropped to around 75 years old from 75.9,” Burley said. She said the average age of death dropped to 62.6 this month.

Burley told the Tri-City Council that county officials are contemplating new messaging to encourage more residents to get vaccinated as the best way to reduce severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths from the coronavirus. She used the word “hesitancy” to describe a high rate of vaccination reluctance among the county populace.

Burley said 70,676 people are fully vaccinated in the county and that only 115 of them have still contracted COVID-19. After county officials refused to reveal how many so-called “breakthrough” infections resulted in death earlier this month, Burley disclosed Tuesday that two such deaths are confirmed.

Burley said most county cases involve the delta variant of the coronavirus. She said it is 50% more transmissible than the UK variant, and that the UK variant was 50% more transmissible than the original virus. “We’re dealing with a variant that is very effective in moving from one person to another,” she said.

Asked if mask wearing dictates might come back into play, Burley said her department will follow CDC guidelines. She said the federal agency may soon revise its mask recommendations in school and other group settings.

Mayors Tom Brady and Cal Sheehy asked about how long vaccinations provide protection. Brady noted many think “they are bulletproof” for a full year.

Burley replied the duration of vaccine effectiveness is uncertain and remains the focus of great study. She said she will share whatever information results.

Mayor Brady asked about the longevity of the pandemic.

“Do you or the state believe this is going to end anytime soon?,” Brady queried.

“No” Burley replied.

While Burley and her department have faced a fair share of public criticism through the pandemic, Bullhead City Council member Dr. Waheed Zehri expressed his appreciation. “You do a wonderful job in the health department for our county. Thank you,” Zehri said.

Dave Hawkins