As summer gets underway, COVID-19 cases are once again rising in several regions across the United States. The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows an increase in test positivity and a steady rise in viral activity in certain areas.
Increase in Test Positivity Rates
For the week ending June 29, COVID-19 test positivity across the U.S. reached 9%, marking an increase of 0.8% from the previous week. Although this is higher than the levels seen in early May 2024, it remains lower than several points observed during the pandemic.
The Southwest and western U.S. have seen the highest test positivity rates, with the region that includes Arizona, California, and Nevada reporting a positivity rate of 15.7%, according to the CDC.
COVID-19 Surge: More Than Half of U.S. States Report ‘Very High’ Levels|
| Region | Test Positivity Rate |
|---|---|
| Southwest & Western U.S. | 15.7% |
| National Average | 9% |
Rising COVID-19 Activity Detected in Wastewater
In addition to test positivity, wastewater data from the CDC indicates that COVID-19 viral activity, while still low nationally, has been steadily increasing over the last month and a half. For the week ending June 22, viral activity levels were classified as “high” in the West and “moderate” in the South.
Wastewater monitoring is often used as an early detection tool to predict potential future increases in cases. However, this method can be inconsistent and is not always a perfect measure of viral spread.
Expert Insights on Summer Bump
Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, noted that the country typically experiences a rise in COVID-19 cases during the summer months. He explained, “We had anticipated that there would be something of a summer bump because we have seen that in the past. COVID-19 hangs around during the summer and even gets a little more active, unlike influenza, which virtually disappears during the summertime.”
Dr. Schaffner also mentioned that after this summer bump, a conventional winter surge of COVID-19 is expected later in the year.
Hospitalization Trends
Although weekly hospitalizations remain near record lows, there has been a slight increase over the past few weeks. According to CDC data, the highest hospitalization rates are among those aged 65 and older, with a rate of 7.7 per 100,000 for the week ending June 15, the latest date for which data is complete.
In comparison, adults aged 18 to 49 and children aged 4 and under have much lower hospitalization rates, at 0.5 per 100,000.
| Age Group | Hospitalization Rate (per 100,000) |
|---|---|
| 65 and older | 7.7 |
| 18 to 49 | 0.5 |
| Children (4 and under) | 0.5 |
Dr. Schaffner pointed out that the individuals most likely to be hospitalized are those with chronic illnesses, such as heart disease or lung disease, or those who are immunocompromised.
Conclusion
As COVID-19 cases rise during the summer, it’s crucial to remain vigilant, particularly in regions with higher test positivity rates. Monitoring tools like wastewater data and hospitalization trends provide valuable insights into the virus’s spread, helping communities prepare for potential surges.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
