COVID cases rising in Indiana
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Indianapolis is seeing a summer surge of COVID-19 infections.
Why it matters: People congregating indoors to avoid extreme heat and an extremely busy July 4 travel period are expected to drive up infections.
- While experts expect this summer wave to remain mild, it's a reminder to remain vigilant, particularly among those who are medically vulnerable.
The big picture: As of June 25, cases are growing or likely growing in 44 states, including Indiana, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
- Hospitalizations and deaths remain low.
- Wastewater surveillance, which is one of the more reliable ways of tracking COVID spread after testing dropped off, shows that COVID levels are rising in the Midwest, Northeast and South.
- The KP.3 and KP.2 strains, descendants of the highly contagious JN.1 variant and among the so-called FLiRT variants, account for more than half of infections, according to CDC data.
Zoom in: Cases reported in central Indiana have hit a three-month high, mirroring a trend seen statewide.
- Wastewater concentrations are at their highest point since February and still look to be rising, according to the most recent data from the Indiana Department of Health.
- Deaths remain low, with just 12 reported statewide from June 1 to June 26.
What we're watching: The CDC recently recommended that everyone ages 6 months and older get the updated COVID vaccine when it comes out this fall, regardless of whether they've been vaccinated before.
- The FDA has recommended that drugmakers target the KP.2 strain.