Increase in COVID-19 cases predicted for around half of U.S. states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calculations
In a concerning development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a rise in COVID-19 cases across 25 states in the United States. This surge is observed predominantly in regions such as the Southeast, Southern, and West Coast, as well as some areas in the Midwest.
According to the CDC, several states, including Florida, Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, California, Nevada, Colorado, Louisiana, and South Carolina, are experiencing a notable increase in COVID-19 cases, with wastewater viral activity levels reported as "high" or "moderate"[1][2][3]. Moreover, regions like the Pacific Northwest and Southeast have seen significant increases in emergency room visits for COVID-19[1][2].
The surges in COVID-19 cases are linked to genetic changes in the S1 region of the virus, a crucial part of the spike protein that binds to human cells[4]. The CDC's modeling suggests that COVID-19 activity is getting underway as this year's summer wave of the virus[2].
Another concerning trend is the unusual uptick in parvovirus B19 transmissions. Health officials are monitoring this increase closely and have warned of a "sustained increase" in transmission of parvovirus B19. Local health departments have been tracking a rise in emergency rooms treating cases of parvovirus B19, with Chicago reporting several recent weeks with the highest percentage of B19-associated ED visits compared to the same week in all years since 2015[3].
The CDC has suggested that pregnant women consider masking to curb the risk of severe complications from parvovirus B19[3].
A CDC analysis published Thursday concluded that the virus has settled into twice-a-year surges, typically peaking first in July through September and then a second time later in December through February[5].
Alexander Tin, a digital reporter for the News based in the Washington, D.C. bureau, covers federal public health agencies. As the situation evolves, Mr. Tin will continue to provide updates on these developments.
While COVID-19 activity nationwide is still considered "low," it is up from "very low" the previous week[1]. Rates of COVID-19 in emergency rooms are the highest they've been since February and March in the Pacific Northwest and the Southeast[1][2].
As always, it is crucial for individuals to follow public health guidelines, including wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and getting vaccinated to protect themselves and others from both COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-data/covidview/index.html [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). COVID-19 Pandemic Planning Scenarios. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-data/covidview/index.html [3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Parvovirus B19. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/parvovirus/b19/index.html [4] National Institutes of Health. (2021). Coronavirus (COVID-19) Variants. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/coronavirus/covid-19/variants [5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). COVID-19: Understanding if and how the pandemic might be seasonal. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-data/covidview/index.html
- The sudden increase in COVID-19 cases across several states, including Florida, Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, California, Nevada, Colorado, Louisiana, and South Carolina, indicates a need for heightened focus on health-and-wellness practices and medical-conditions related to the virus.
- The CDC's warning about a "sustained increase" in parvovirus B19 transmissions emphasizes the importance of staying informed about various health news, particularly for pregnant women, who are advised to follow medical recommendations to avoid severe complications.
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