COVID-19 Infections Rise Across Most of the United States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a rise in COVID-19 infections in 47 states across the United States. The latest data classifies infections as ‘growing’ or ‘likely growing,’ showing a nationwide summer surge. Currently, no states are experiencing a decline, with only two categorized as ‘not changing.’

While the CDC does not provide exact case counts, its tracking system offers early indicators of transmission trends. These figures point to increased activity as fall approaches, a time when respiratory viruses typically escalate. Health officials emphasize that severe COVID-19 outcomes are less frequent now than in the pandemic’s earlier stages.

Today it is uncommon for infection to progress to severe stages. However, COVID can cause complications more often in the elderly, immune compromised, and others with chronic medical conditions. — Jonathan Pinsky, Medical Director at Endeavor Health

Transmission and Symptoms

The CDC map shows sustained transmission in Southern states, including Texas and South Carolina, with Florida, North Carolina, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Alaska, and Hawaii exhibiting a growing epidemic. Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia are likely experiencing growth as well. In states like Louisiana and Mississippi, there’s no change, while Iowa’s trend is unestimated but has a low emergency visit level. Major cities in California, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois also report notable upticks.

Common symptoms include sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, fever, and body aches. Some patients report nausea or diarrhea. Tyler Evans, an infectious disease physician, advises attention to sore throats, as it can often be mistaken for allergies.

The sore throat is often described as scratchy or hoarse, and it is frequently mistaken for allergies or a summer cold. That mistake matters. — Tyler Evans, CEO of Wellness Equity Alliance

Drivers of the Summer Surge

Experts attribute the current surge to waning population immunity and increased indoor gatherings from extreme heat, summer travel, and school resumption. Suraj Saggar, Chief of Infectious Disease at Holy Name Medical Center, notes the repeating pattern of cases rising in summer and winter.

Even though the word ‘surge’ can make it sound like cases are growing dramatically, it’s important to remember that we’re starting from a very low baseline. — Suraj Saggar, Chief of Infectious Disease

Impact on Schools

Unlike earlier pandemic years, the current wave has not resulted in widespread school closures. However, spikes in COVID cases have prompted temporary shutdowns in specific districts, like San Perlita Independent School District in South Texas and Park Ridge Achievement Academy in Louisiana.

San Perlita announced a closure to protect health and safety and mitigate further spread after a rise in cases. Park Ridge Achievement Academy shut down for a day out of caution following an outbreak.

Looking Ahead

The CDC plans to update epidemic trends weekly as fall progresses. Health experts advise maintaining COVID vaccinations and boosters, especially for higher-risk individuals.

Between natural infection and vaccination, it’s no longer something the body has never seen before. Everyone has some immunity. The virus has mutated but not enough to evade the immune response. — Suraj Saggar