Several states in the US are experiencing a concerning uptick in COVID-19 cases since last winter, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. States like California, Arkansas, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, Oregon, and Texas have seen notable increases. Safety guidelines remain in place, urging the public to adhere strictly to prevent further virus transmission.
Recent reports indicate that these states have recorded “very high” levels of COVID-19 in wastewater samples. Los Angeles, one of the most populous cities, has also seen a rise in cases, with Mayor Karen Bass testing positive for COVID-19, as reported by MSN.
Recent data from the country’s health department reveals that COVID-19 levels are now at 27% of last winter’s peak, marking a 17% increase from late June figures. Daily cases have risen sharply, climbing from 215 per day on June 26 to 307 per day in early July. This surge is attributed to the emergence of two new variants, particularly FLiRT, known for its higher transmissibility but less severe disease outcomes.
As of April 13, 2024, statistics from Worldometer show significant cumulative case numbers across these states, underscoring the ongoing impact of the pandemic. Symptoms associated with the new variants FLiRT and LB.1 include fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, and others, as noted by experts.
Public health guidelines recommend continued mask-wearing and social distancing, particularly in the affected states. Vaccination remains crucial, especially for high-risk groups, yet a substantial portion of those aged 65 and above have not yet received updated vaccines available since September.
In response to the rising cases, experts recommend regular testing for symptomatic individuals using rapid tests over several days to monitor virus spread effectively. Updated guidelines also outline protocols for isolation and return to normal activities for those with mild symptoms, emphasizing caution to curb further transmission.
