COVID is on the rise in Washington (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 millions of people travel around July 4, 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's spread after testing rates dropped off — shows an increase of the virus in Washington over the last 45 days, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state Department of Health.
- State data also shows an increase in the percent of hospitalizations and emergency room visits due to COVID in June.
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 CDC data.
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.
- The Food and Drug Administration last month recommended that drugmakers target the KP.2 strain.