Tulsa County is currently experiencing one of the highest rates of COVID-19 transmission in the state, according to recent data from the State Health Department. As more people travel and gather indoors due to the summer heat, health experts are urging caution. Among the variants of interest are KP.1 and KP.2, which fall under the omicron lineage. Symptoms of these variants are similar to those of a common cold or flu.
Epidemiologist Ashley Bailey from the Tulsa Health Department emphasizes that despite their similarities to other strains of COVID-19, there are no specific mutations that indicate increased severity of illness for KP.1 and KP.2 variants.
Regardless of the variant or lineage, prevention methods remain crucial. The Tulsa Health Department has community members educating the public on best practices for protection.
Bailey advises paying extra attention to younger and older individuals as they tend to be more impacted by the virus.
Stay informed, practice good hygiene, and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 transmission in Tulsa County.