‘Very High’ Levels of COVID in More Than Half of US States

As we step into the year 2024, the threat of COVID-19 still looms large over the United States.

Shockingly, more than half of the states in the country are now reporting ‘very high’ levels of COVID activity. Despite significant advancements in medical science and widespread vaccination campaigns, the battle against this relentless virus is far from over.

The constant evolution of the virus, coupled with varying levels of public health responses across different regions, has created a challenging landscape for containing the spread of COVID-19.

While some states have managed to curb the virus effectively, others are struggling to keep up with the escalating numbers of cases and hospitalizations.

Covid in 2024: What Is Happening in the US?

According to recent wastewater data from the CDC, over half of U.S. states are experiencing “very high” levels of COVID activity, with at least 27 states reporting this level. Additionally, 17 states are reporting “high” levels of viral activity.

COVID activity remains highest in the western U.S., followed by the South, Midwest, and Northeast. Current levels are approaching but are still lower than those seen during the winter months. While wastewater data has limitations in accurately representing community spread, experts consider it a valuable indicator.

Key Tools for Monitoring COVID-19 as Updated Vaccines Approach

Dr. John Brownstein emphasized that while wastewater data is not perfect, it is crucial for tracking COVID-19 activity, especially as traditional surveillance systems have decreased since the end of the national public health emergency.

With reduced monitoring resources, wastewater analysis has become one of the most reliable methods to assess how the virus is spreading in communities.

CDC data shows that limited COVID surveillance systems, such as emergency department visits and test positivity rates, are increasing. However, death rates from the virus remain stable compared to previous years. Updated COVID vaccines, based on the KP.2 strain of the omicron variant, are expected to be available this fall, with the FDA recommending this formulation as it currently accounts for about 6% of cases.

COVID 2024 Vaccines Pending FDA Approval

CDC data shows that genetically similar variants KP.3.1.1 and KP.3 account for nearly half of estimated COVID-19 cases. The CDC has recommended that everyone over 6 months old receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine this season, pending FDA authorization of the vaccines.

The updated vaccines do not yet have a confirmed delivery date, but they were typically available in late August or September in previous years. Vaccine manufacturers are prepared to ship doses as soon as they receive FDA approval.

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