COVID makes a summer comeback

COVID-19 cases are increasing in Texas and across the country as a summertime wave expands.

The big picture: New cases are growing or likely to grow in 45 states and territories, and more than half of the states have "very high" or "high" viral levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Viral activity in wastewater is "very high" in Texas.

By the numbers: New cases of the virus increased nearly 32% in the second week of July compared with the prior week, per the most recent data from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

• 7,492 new cases were reported statewide in the week that ended July 13, 1,809 more than the week before. Still, that number is below last summer's spike, when about twice as many people tested positive.

Yes, but: Illnesses may be much higher because Texas no longer requires local health departments to report positive COVID cases, but the City of Houston still monitors wastewater data.

Zoom in: The amount of virus in Houston's wastewater on July 15 — the latest data available — was 309% above the baseline set back in the summer of 2020, with some hot spots that have a viral load nearly 1,000% above baseline.

• That's compared with 30% above baseline citywide on April 29 this year. Houston's biggest peak so far in 2024 was 531% above baseline on Jan. 22.

Threat level: COVID-19 cases have risen in the U.S. every summer, usually around July 4 travel.

• While hospitalizations remain low, the summertime surge poses a risk to the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with respiratory or cardiac conditions.
• As people get more out of date with vaccinations and the virus mutates, the risk of a severe wave becomes greater.

What's next: Drugmakers are eyeing combination flu-COVID-19 vaccines that offer more convenience and protection against the two viruses.

• The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months old and up receive updated vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or Novavax.