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- Covid surge map shows dangerous spike in several US states (irishstar.com)
A late summer surge of Covid-19 infections is spreading across the U.S., with a cluster of South Central states experiencing the most significant increase. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas are seeing positivity rates around 15%. Experts believe the actual number of infections is likely higher due to unreported at-home testing and individuals dismissing mild symptoms.
This surge is not limited to the South Central region, however. Cases are rising across the entire western half of the country, with a dozen more states reporting positive test rates of 10%.
Wastewater surveillance, a key indicator of community spread, reveals “very high” levels of virus activity in Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, Texas, and Utah. The CDC emphasizes that wastewater monitoring can often detect viral spread earlier than traditional testing methods.
The summer uptick in Covid-19 cases aligns with trends observed in previous years. Experts point to increased time spent in air-conditioned environments and a rise in summer travel as contributing factors to the spread.
Waning immunity from vaccinations administered last fall may also play a role, according to Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, a senior epidemiologist at Washington University in St.
Louis.
This news comes as the FDA recently approved updated Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax vaccines for seniors, with limited access for younger individuals. Meanwhile, the CDC has seen recent leadership changes, with the director and three other top officials departing the agency.
A CDC panel is scheduled to meet in September to address vaccine accessibility and affordability. Separately, concerns have been raised about a potential vaccine ‘ban’ proposed by RFK Jr., despite the risks associated with such a measure.
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- Covid surge map shows dangerous spike in several US states (irishstar.com)