Aug 15, 2025 - Health

Louisiana among states with highest COVID cases

Illustration of a backpack filled with COVID-19 test swabs. — Illustration: Shoshana Gordon/Axios

Louisiana is among a group of states with the highest rate of COVID cases right now, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Why it matters: The "stratus" COVID variant is surging throughout the country, and with kids heading back to school, it's not exactly surprising.

The big picture: This recent COVID-19 wave comes as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unilaterally changed federal COVID vaccine recommendations.

Catch up quick: The stratus variant was first detected in January and now accounts for 14% of cases in the U.S. That makes it the third-highest among all variants stateside, according to the CDC.

No specific symptoms are tied to the stratus variant, though the current dominant strain, known as "nimbus," is tied to "razor-blade" sore throats.

By the numbers: Louisiana's COVID test positivity was at 12% in the CDC's regional data on Monday, which accounts for the week ending on Aug. 2.

New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas also had 12% test positivity.

How other states are faring

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Louisiana among states with highest COVID cases

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