Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 23, 2024 3 months, 6 days, 14 hours, 6 minutes ago
U.S. Medical News: In an unsettling development, California's COVID-19 positivity rate has surged to 12.8%, with rising infections and hospitalizations signaling a potential resurgence of the virus.
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Respiratory-Viruses/RespiratoryDashboard.aspx
COVID-19 positivity rates in California reaches 12.8 percent
Image Credit: Gilnature/Getty Images/iStockphoto
This alarming trend has prompted health officials to reinforce safety measures but strangely most of the mainstream media across the United States are not reporting any
U.S. Medical News coverages about the rise of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and even cumulative nationwide COVID-19 deaths and increasing excess death rates.
Rising COVID-19 Levels in California
California is experiencing a notable increase in COVID-19 levels, particularly in its wastewater. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the state is now among 21 states categorized as having "very high" levels of the virus in wastewater, up from just seven states the previous week.
https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-currentlevels.html
This data is a critical indicator, as it reveals the prevalence of the virus in the community, even among those who may not show symptoms or have not been tested.
Impact on Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County, the most populous county in the nation, is witnessing significant rises in coronavirus levels. Recent data shows that COVID-19 levels in the county's wastewater reached 36% of last winter's peak by July 17, up from 27% just a week earlier. This surge is mirrored by an increase in daily average cases, which rose from 307 to 359 in the same period. Hospitalizations have also climbed, with an average of 287 COVID-positive individuals per day, up from 244 the previous week. Emergency room visits for COVID-related issues have increased from 2.1% to 2.8%.
https://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/coronavirus/data/
Nationwide Trends
The rise in COVID-19 levels is not confined to California. Nationally, the virus remains at "high" levels in wastewater for the second consecutive week. Approximately 155 million people, nearly half of the U.S. population, live in areas with "very high" coronavirus levels. This widespread increase is attributed to two new variants, collectively known as FLiRT, which are responsible for more than half of the recent cases.
ong>Testing Recommendations
Experts advise regular testing for those feeling unwell. Yale Medicine infectious diseases specialist Dr Scott Roberts recommends daily testing for individuals experiencing symptoms, using rapid COVID tests for three to five consecutive days. It is important to note that rapid tests may take longer to show a positive result after the onset of illness.
What to Do if You Get Sick
For those who test positive for COVID-19, health officials advise wearing a mask, avoiding contact with high-risk individuals, and seeking medical treatment if necessary. According to updated guidelines, individuals with mild symptoms who have been fever-free without medication can return to work or school after one day of isolation.
Moving Forward: Staying Vigilant
While many individuals now have several layers of immunity through vaccines and past infections, the risk of severe illness, long COVID, hospitalization, and death remains, particularly for older and immunocompromised populations. The percentage of deaths in California attributed to COVID-19 has spiked in July, prompting renewed calls for vigilance.
Conclusion
The current surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and wastewater virus levels in California underscores the need for continued public health efforts and individual vigilance. With the FLiRT variants driving the rise in infections, it is crucial for residents to stay informed, follow health recommendations, and take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their communities. The ongoing challenges posed by the virus remind us that the pandemic is far from over, and collective action remains essential to navigate this evolving public health crisis.
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