What to know about rising COVID-19 cases and the surging "stratus" variant
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COVID-19 cases are rising again in the United States, and the "stratus" variant might be to blame.
The big picture: A summer outbreak of COVID-19 cases isn't a shocker. But it's arriving before children head back to school, where the virus could spread even more.
- The risk of a summertime COVID-19 wave comes after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unilaterally changed federal COVID vaccine recommendations, causing confusion over who should get the shots.
COVID-19 cases rising in U.S.
Driving the news: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday upgraded national wastewater viral activity for COVID-19 from "low" to "moderate."
- Wastewater levels for COVID-19 are highest in the Western U.S., according to a CDC map, with levels peaking in Alaska, California, Colorado, Nevada and Utah.
- The Southeast also has higher wastewater activity levels, with Louisiana having the most nationwide, according to CDC data recorded from July 27 to Aug. 2.
What they're saying: "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," the CDC says on its website.
- "It can also detect infections without symptoms. If you see increased wastewater viral activity levels, it might indicate that there is a higher risk of infection."
By the numbers: The CDC estimated Friday that COVID-19 cases are likely growing across 45 states.
- Only four states — Alaska, North Dakota, Maine and New Hampshire — measured as having no change in COVID-19 cases. Wyoming's numbers were not estimated.
- Though the N.B.1.8.1 variant (nicknamed "nimbus") is still the dominant variant in the U.S., the recent climb might be related to the variant XFG, commonly known as "Stratus." Both are descendants of the Omicron strain.
What to know about the "stratus" COVID variant
Flashback: The XFG "stratus" variant was first dedicated in January, according to the World Health Organization. The variant made little noise in the United States during the first half of the year.
- However, in June, the "stratus" variant accounted for 14% of cases, according to the CDC, which is the third-highest among all variants.
- XFG is a combination of the LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 variants, the latter of which is the second-most prominent strain in the U.S., per the CDC.
Yes, but: Though the WHO has placed XFG on its watchlist, and it may be more adept at evading our immune defenses, the "stratus" variant was deemed as a "low" public health risk as recent as June.
- "Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease," the WHO said in its June report.
Are "Stratus" variant symptoms different?
The "stratus" variant symptoms haven't been seen as any different than other recent COVID-19 variants. The common COVID-19 symptoms outlined by the CDC — fever, chills, cough, sore throat and congestion — still apply.
- Some reports suggest hoarseness might be a specific COVID-19 symptom related to the "stratus" variant, but it's unclear.
What to know: If sick, the CDC still recommends staying home and away from others. Anyone at risk of severe illness should seek treatment and testing.
Go deeper: A new summer COVID wave may be on its way
