COVID is on the rise in Oregon (again)
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The annual summer surge of COVID-19 infections has begun, fueled by the spread of new variants.
Why it matters: As people congregate indoors when the weather gets warmer and millions travel ahead of the July Fourth holiday, infections are expected to increase.
- Although experts expect this summer wave to remain mild, it's a reminder to remain vigilant, particularly among those who are medically vulnerable.
Zoom in: Wastewater surveillance — one of the more reliable ways of tracking COVID spread after testing rates dropped off — across Oregon shows a sustained increase of the virus' presence in parts of the Portland metro area, Woodburn, McMinnville and Tillamook over the last month.
- The highly contagious JN.1 variant and its KP.2 strain — one of the so-called FLiRT variants — accounted for most infections from samples collected the week of May 26, according to Oregon Health Authority data.
The big picture: Cases are growing or likely growing in 39 states, and they don't appear to be declining in any state, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
- Hospitalizations and deaths remain low.
What we're watching: CDC vaccine advisers will soon release their newest recommendations for who should get the updated COVID-19 shots that will be released in the fall.