Coronavirus updates for May 4: Here’s what to know in North Carolina this week
We’re tracking information about the coronavirus and vaccines in North Carolina. We expect this to be the last weekly update.
Over 2,200 new COVID cases
At least 2,240 new coronavirus cases were reported in North Carolina last week, down from 2,429 the week before, according to preliminary data from state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services also reported 180 new weekly COVID-19 hospital patient admissions, a drop from 233 the previous week, according to figures through April 29, the most recent metrics available. The daily average of adult coronavirus patients in intensive care was 32, compared with 36 the week before.
The figures were released Wednesday, May 3, more than a month after the state health department announced it was updating its online coronavirus dashboard to include data about the flu and other respiratory illnesses.
Data shows roughly 78% of adults in North Carolina have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and about 74% have finished an initial round of vaccine doses. Of the state’s total population, about 63% finished their initial round and about 68% have received at least one dose. State officials round vaccination metrics to the nearest whole number and update them monthly.
“Out of all people who have finished their initial vaccines in North Carolina, 59% have been vaccinated with at least one booster, and 23% with an updated omicron booster,” the health department wrote on its website.
Officials have urged those who are eligible to get boosted, as data shows it offers increased protection against the omicron coronavirus variant.
Pink eye may be a COVID symptom, experts say
People who have a COVID-19 infection might experience pink eye as a symptom, according to experts.
But research suggests the swelling, discoloration and other signs of pink eye could be more common in seriously sick COVID-19 patients, The Charlotte Observer reported May 3.
“It’s important to note that while eye symptoms have been reported in relation to positive COVID-19 cases, it is uncommon for it to be the only symptom,” researchers in Nebraska wrote in 2022. “Although pink eye seems to be one of the more common eye symptoms, it occurs in a low percentage of people.”
Pink eye is also called conjunctivitis and is often tied to a virus or another complication. The symptom has gained attention as the XBB.1.16 variant — also known as Arcturus — spreads.
“It is too early to know with certainty if XBB.1.16 is truly associated with higher rates of conjunctivitis,” the Los Angeles County Health Department in California wrote in late April.
How to tell the difference between COVID and allergies?
A newer strain of the omicron coronavirus variant may cause symptoms that are similar to seasonal allergies, health experts said.
The subvariant, called Arcturus, was first identified in India and has led to eye irritation, which some people who suffer spring allergies may experience, according to the World Health Organization.
So, what are some ways to help determine if you have COVID-19 or seasonal allergies?
“While watery, swollen eyes are common allergy symptoms, they are not typical in those with COVID-19 infections,” said Dr. Omar Ahmed of Houston Methodist Hospital, according to The Charlotte Observer.
Health officials have urged people to take COVID-19 tests as soon as possible if they experience COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever.
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