Most Americans oblivious that COVID-19 is now surging in 45 States of which 26 have high infections levels
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 17, 2024 4 months, 1 week, 14 minutes ago
U.S. Medical News: The United States is experiencing a significant rise in COVID-19 cases, with 45 states reporting increasing numbers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 26 of these states have reached "very high" or "high" levels of infection. States in both the west, such as California, Nevada, Oregon, and Texas, and the east, including Arkansas, Florida, and Maryland, are particularly affected.
https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-currentlevels.html
Most Americans oblivious that COVID-19 is now surging in 45 States of which 26 have high infections levels
Wastewater levels, a key indicator of virus prevalence, have shown notable increases over the past month in these regions. The viral activity level in wastewater is high nationwide. This summer wave of infections should come as no surprise, given the pattern of multiple waves each year, often peaking in summer. Increased travel and more indoor gatherings due to hot weather are likely contributors.
Weekly Data Shows Worrisome Trends
According to weekly COVID-19 data provided by BNO News outlet, there were roughly 120,934 New COVID-19 infections in the last week,2,920 hospitalizations and 470 COVID-19 deaths.
https://x.com/BNOFeed/status/1812681459762708970
Actual figures could be much higher as many counties and states are not reporting data and also many hospitals are not conducting COVID-19 test and many individuals are not getting tested.
Regional Variations and Monitoring Efforts
The national wastewater surveillance program, a critical tool for monitoring COVID-19 circulation, indicates a steady increase in virus levels over the past 45 days. This program serves as an early warning system, often predicting rises in hospitalizations and confirmed cases. States like Oregon, Nevada, and Florida are showing the highest levels of COVID-19 in wastewater, followed closely by California, Texas, Arkansas, and Maryland.
Massachusetts has seen a moderate increase, but levels in Boston and surrounding areas have more than tripled since late April.
Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine are experiencing higher infection levels. Vermont is witnessing moderate levels of infection, and Rhode Island remains relatively low. Notably, no states are currently showing a decline in cases.
The CDC's data suggests probabilities of epidemic growth across many states, with Massachusetts hovering just below the critical threshold.
Along with the rise in infections, hospitalizations and emergency room visits are starting to see a gradual rise. The average number of emergency visits has reached its highest point since February, indicating growing concern.
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#maps_percent-covid-ed
="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home">https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home
Emergency department visits for COVID-19 have been on the rise for weeks, with a 23.5% increase reported in the week ending July 6.
The Dominant Omicron Strains
The current surge is primarily driven by the KP.3 and KP.2 strains, both part of the FLiRT family descended from the Omicron variant. These strains account for a significant portion of new cases, with KP.3 responsible for 18% to 31% and KP.2 for 17% to 30%.
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions
In response to the spread, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised drug manufacturers to develop boosters targeting the KP.2 strain, expected to be administered in the fall.
Most American Oblivious of Current COVID-19 Surge
As very few
U.S. Medical News outlets and mainstream media are reporting about the current COVID-19 surge in the country, most American are oblivious about the situation. The failure of the COVID-19 vaccines coupled with conspiracy theories that viruses do not exists and the current political climate has also made many Americans to simply any COVID-19 threats, much to their own detriment. We can expect to see excess death rates rise exponentially across the United States in the next few months and most will never ever be linked to COVID-19 for political purposes.
Assessing Personal Risk and Taking Precautions
The level of concern individuals should have about COVID-19 depends on their medical circumstances. Those who are older, immunocompromised, or have multiple underlying health conditions should be especially cautious. Having a plan for accessing antiviral treatments, and considering additional precautions like masking in crowded indoor spaces are recommended. Avoiding outdoor gatherings are preferable to reduce the risk of transmission.
Navigating Life Amid Rising Infections
For the general population, maintaining normal activities while taking reasonable precautions can help mitigate the risk. This includes regular hand washing, avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, and staying informed about local COVID-19 trends. For those traveling, understanding the infection rates at their destination and following recommended health guidelines is crucial.
What to Do If You Get COVID-19
Should you develop symptoms, consulting with healthcare providers based on personal health circumstances is advisable. Avoid trying to self -treat or self-prescribing. Testing remains a valuable tool for identifying infections and preventing spread, especially before gatherings or travel.
If you contract COVID-19, isolating from others to prevent transmission remains important. Following current CDC guidelines on isolation and treatment can help manage the infection and protect those around you. Staying informed about evolving recommendations and maintaining a proactive approach to health and safety are key to navigating this ongoing pandemic.
Conclusion
As COVID-19 cases surge across the United States, awareness and proactive measures are essential. While the situation varies by region, the consistent rise in infections underscores the need for vigilance. Staying informed, getting vaccinated, and taking appropriate precautions can help mitigate the impact of this latest wave and protect public health.
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U.S. Medical News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/kp-3-variant-drives-covid-19-surge-in-indiana-united-states
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/new-zealand-reports-2640-new-covid-19-cases-and-30-deaths-while-flu-infections-are-now-starting-to-rise
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-infections-and-hospitalizations-rising-across-all-prefectures-in-japan
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