Mississippi

MS' website still says they use the probable case definition from April, 2020 instead of the updated August one: https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/14,0,420.html

"Probable cases are those who test positive by other testing methods such as antibody or antigen, and have recent symptoms consistent with COVID-19, indicating a recent infection."

Is that correct?

We are still following the CSTE case definition as posted on the CDC website. https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020-08-05/   And yes, there was an update in August.  I didn’t realize we had the case definition date listed somewhere on our website.    A probable case is a positive antigen test or a vital records report with no confirmatory lab evidence. (The other type of probable case doesn’t happen often since testing is so widely available, but a person who meets clinical criteria and has an epi link to a known case would also be considered probable.)    All of the details of the case definition are on the link above.

For confirmed cases & deaths, the MS website says: "Confirmed cases and deaths are generally determined by positive PCR tests, which detect the presence of ongoing coronavirus infection."

What is the reason for including "generally"? Are there any methods other than PCR used to confirm cases or deaths?

We follow CDC case definitions for all probable and confirmed cases and deaths.    For confirmed cases, we follow the CDC case definition that says “detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ribonucleic acid (SARS-CoV-2 RNA) in a clinical or autopsy specimen using a molecular amplification test.” PCR is a specific name for a type of molecular amplification test, but it is probably the most common type.    In order to count as a confirmed death, there must be a positive molecular test.

Your dashboard has a category for “total PCR tests for COVID-19 statewide.” Does that mean total number of tests conducted (as opposed to individuals tested)? If so, do you have plans to release the total number of individuals tested, with historical data?

Total tests performed, not individuals tested. No on individuals. The data is historical, it reflects total testing since pandemic started.

For getting that number—does MS perform any 'deduplication' to reach it? If so, what are the specifics?xz

We count the tests that are reported, not based on number of individuals tested.

HHS changes

None, we get our own detailed reports and do not use HHS

Is MS pool testing?

"Not MSDH. I am unaware of other facilities or clinics in Mississippi doing so"

No, we are not conducting pool testing.

Antigen testing?

"Yes. Not MSDH but some providers have elected to use rapid antigen. Yes positives are reported. No we don’t have those reported on our website yet. "

Yes, private labs and hospitals are conducting this testing.

In the race/ethnicity section, the note says that the "other" category includes American Indian and Asian. But both of those categories are broken out separately on the chart (in addition to other). Could you clarify?

"It means that when asked about race, the person identified as something other than the otherwise defined categories. Native Hawaiian and other pacific islander are included in the "other" category. Also, if a person identifies as more than one race (i.e., white and Asian), they would be counted in the "other" category as well. Also, we removed the note at the bottom of the chart that you referred to."