More than a dozen states are reporting positive cases on the rise. The epicentre is a five-state region where the virus is most active. The true number of positive cases is likely to be much higher
A late summer surge of Covid-19 is spreading across the US from a cluster of South Central states, latest data shows.
The spike is highest across a region covering Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Texas.
Tracking from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows 15% of COVID tests in this clutch of states turning up positive.
The figures almost certainly don’t reflect the true surge in cases. Experts say the real numbers are underreported as more people ignore symptoms or take at-home kits instead of lab tests. This comes as RFK Jr. is planning a Covid vaccine ‘ban in months’ despite the risks attached.
The entire Western half of the country is seeing a spike in cases. A further dozen states say positive test rates are currently at 10%.
READ MORE: Bill Clinton sparks major health fears after latest appearance at airportREAD MORE: Fired CDC director slams Trump for ‘reckless directives’ as three other officials resign
It comes after several officials within CDC resigned from the agency after they accused President Donald Trump of “weaponizing” public health.
A CDC panel is expected to meet in September to discuss access to shots and affordability. Testing sewage and wastewater is often a good indicator of how many people are sick.
Wastewater data shows five states with ‘very high’ virus activity levels. These are Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, Texas and Utah.
The CDC says: “Wastewater monitoring can detect viruses spreading from one person to another within a community earlier than clinical testing and before people who are sick go to their doctor or hospital. It can also detect infections without symptoms.”
If you can’t see the map below, click here
It is not unusual to see Covid active during the summer, reports The Hill. Every year since the pandemic the warmer months have seen a similar pattern
Epidemiologists say the chances of the virus spreading are increased when people spend time in air-conditioned spaces.
There is more interaction among the population too as people tend to travel more in the summer and increase chances of exposure.
Dr Ziyad Al-Aly a senior epidemiologist at Washington University in St. Louis, told the New York Times, that immunity could be fading for those given a Covid-19 shot last fall.
The Food and Drug Administration this week approved updated Moderna, Pfizer and Novavax vaccines for seniors, but narrowed access for younger adults and children without high-risk conditions.
Earlier this week the Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was ousted from her position after less than a month on the job, with three top officials following behind, signaling a mass exodus from the agency.
Source link
