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21 new COVID deaths highest West Virginia has seen since March

(Graphic Illustration/MetroCreative)

CHARLESTON — West Virginia recorded the most COVID-19 deaths in the past week since March, according to the numbers from the Department of Health and Human Resources.

The department in Wednesday’s weekly virus update reported 21 deaths attributed to the virus in the week since the Sept. 27 update when 11 deaths were reported. Updates shifted to once a week earlier this year around the time of the expiration of the pandemic emergencies.

Among the 21 deaths reported on Wednesday were two from the Mid-Ohio Valley, a 90-year-old man from Ritchie County and a 75-year-old man from Roane County.

Other fatalities reported were an 88-year-old woman from Raleigh County, a 72-year-old woman from Berkeley County, a 71-year-old woman from Marshall County, an 88-year-old man from Cabell County, a 72-year-old woman from Braxton County, a 96-year-old woman from Harrison County, a 67-year-old woman from Mingo County, a 90-year-old woman from Wayne County, a 66-year-old man from Marion County, a 72-year-old man from Mason County, a 70-year-old man from Pendleton County, an 81-year-old man from Nicholas County, an 84-year-old woman from Hampshire County, an 86-year-old man from Jefferson County, an 85-year-old woman from Harrison County, a 79-year-old man from Harrison County, a 62-year-old man from Mercer County, a 95-year-old man from Mineral County and a 73-year-old man from McDowell County.

The death toll since the pandemic started in early 2020 in West Virginia was at 8,235 as of Wednesday.

State health officers have predicted a rise in the COVID deaths and hospitalizations with colder weather and that the trend of increasing hospitalizations and infections around the country would eventually reach the state, albeit at much lesser numbers than in previous surges in the pandemic.

The past week’s count was the highest since March 29 when the weekly COVID fatalities was 32. The department reported over 100 deaths in March, compared to less than 35 in September.

The department recommends residents 6 months and older stay up-to-date with updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccinations.

The updated COVID-19 2023-24 shot is recommended for most people 5 and older. Those 6 months through 4 years have more specific recommendations.

People moderately to severely immunocompromised may need additional shots for updated protection. COVID-19 vaccination is the best way to protect against severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19, according to the state.

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