COVID-19 cases increased in Texas by nearly 32% July 7-13 compared to the previous week’s levels
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 28, 2024 4 months, 3 weeks, 4 days, 11 hours, 39 minutes ago
U.S. Medical News: Rising Infection Rates in Texas and Across the United States.
COVID-19 cases in Texas have seen a significant spike, with a nearly 32% increase from July 7-13 compared to the previous week's levels.
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/IDCU/disease/respiratory_virus_surveillance/2024/2024Week28TRVS-Final-pubJul19.pdf
This surge is part of a broader trend observed across the United States this summer, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-currentlevels.html
The CDC’s National Wastewater Surveillance System, which monitors viral activity in wastewater systems, has detected high concentrations of COVID-19 nationwide, including in Texas. This surveillance provides a clearer picture of the viral load in various communities. Currently, no state in the U.S. is reporting low viral activity as states in the whole country are reporting waste water viral load levels from moderate to very high levels. North Dakota, however, is the only state not reporting any data due to a lack of testing sites.
Despite the rise in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations across the country, mainstream media and local
U.S. Medical News outlets are not reporting on the growing and worrisome situation. Only a few small state and county media outlets are reporting on the situation in their respective geolocations as the situation worsens.
In Texas, the state is experiencing "very high" viral activity levels, as indicated by data from 19 wastewater detection sites. The Texas Department of State Health Services, which receives COVID-19 case counts on a voluntary basis, reported a substantial increase in cases for the week of July 7-13. As of July 19, Texas has recorded over 238,000 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases this year based on voluntary reporting.
Seasonal Trends and New Variants
The increase in COVID-19 cases aligns with previous seasonality trends observed by the U.S. CDC. While COVID-19 does not have a distinct season like the flu, historical data shows that cases, hospitalizations, and deaths typically rise during the winter (December and January) and summer (July and August).
The emergence of new variants has also contributed to fluctuations in COVID-19 activity. Variants such as Delta and Omicron have caused significant upticks in cases, often peaking during the winter and summer months.
Local health officials in Austin suggest that the summer surge may be influenced by increased social activities and travel, as well as waning immunity from vaccinations received in the previous fall or winter.
Recommended Preventative Measures
The U.S. CDC emphasizes several strategies to prevent contracting or spreading COVID-19. These include:
-Proper hygiene
-Increased ventilation for cleaner air
-Treatment options like Paxlovid for those who test positive
-Staying home when sick to avoid spreading the virus
In addition to these measures, the U.S. CDC advises we
aring masks in public, practicing social distancing, and getting tested if exposed to someone with COVID-19 or if symptoms develop.
For those who test positive, the CDC recommends staying home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication and symptoms have improved. After this period, individuals should continue to take precautions for the following five days to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Local Resources and Support
Austin Public Health offers online resources for finding testing, and treatment options locally. As the state and nation continue to navigate the ongoing pandemic, these resources provide essential support to communities.
The recent increase in COVID-19 cases serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and adherence to recommended health guidelines. With the combined efforts of public health officials and community members, it is possible to mitigate the impact of the virus and protect public health.
For the latest
U.S. Medical News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/paraguay-facing-a-multifaceted-threat-of-respiratory-infections-including-covid-19-influenza-and-rhinovirus
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/sars-cov-2-kp-3-1-1-variant-doubles-covid-19-cases-to-13672-in-a-week-in-italy
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/u-s-medical-news-minnesota-reports-worrying-covid-19-hospitalizations-trends
Share
Tweet
Share
