COVID levels rising in much of US, with highest in West, CDC says; How to stay safe
On Friday, the CDC reported that nationwide wastewater activity for COVID-19 has climbed to a 'moderate' level, up from 'low' just a week ago.
The West is seeing the highest levels in the country. States with the biggest spikes include Alaska, California, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah.
'Wastewater monitoring can detect viruses spreading from one person to another within a community earlier than clinical testing and before people who are sick go to their doctor or hospital,' the CDC explains, as CBS reported.
'If you see increased wastewater viral activity levels, it might indicate that there is a higher risk of infection.'
Wastewater isn't the only metric flashing warning signs. As of Tuesday, the CDC says COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 45 states, that's up from 40 states the week before.
Emergency room visits for COVID-19 are still relatively low nationwide, but they, too, are ticking upward compared to last week.
These summer bumps in cases aren't new. Last month, as numbers started climbing, CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook told CBS Mornings: 'We now know that there's a winter spike and then there's a summer spike. And every year, the number of deaths, the number of hospitalizations, is gradually going down each season. So that's the good news.'
Still, LaPook warns against brushing it off, especially for those who are more vulnerable.
'But, people shouldn't ignore the increases,' he said, adding that the elderly, young people, and those who are immunocompromised can still get 'really sick' if they catch it.
The Stratus variant: What is it
After the much-discussed Nimbus, a new COVID-19 variant called Stratus (also known as XFG) is quietly but rapidly spreading in the US and around the world. Stratus (XFG) is a recombinant subvariant, meaning it formed when two previous variants, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2, merged genetically, earning it the nickname 'Frankenstein variant.'
First picked up in Canada, it has since spread to at least 38 countries, including the US, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Data shows that Stratus has climbed from about 7% of global COVID cases in May to nearly 23% by late May, making it the third-most common variant in the US by June. Experts attribute this rapid growth to its ability to evade existing immunity and thrive in populations with low booster coverage.
Despite this growth, health experts emphasize that it does not cause more severe illness than earlier variants.
And while experts reassure that the overall risk remains low, Stratus is being closely tracked by the World Health Organization as a Variant Under Monitoring due to its fast transmission and ability to sidestep some immunity. Its most distinctive symptom? A hoarse or raspy voice that can appear before the usual signs of COVID-19.
Key symptoms to watch out for
Stratus shares many of the usual COVID symptoms and of earlier Omicron subvariants, but has one standout early sign: hoarseness or a raspy and scratchy voice.
Some patients describe this as feeling like 'swallowing glass,' a painful and sharp sting in the throat. Common COVID-like symptoms include fever or chills, dry cough or sore throat, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, nasal congestion or runny nose, and occasional nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
According to reports, hoarseness often appears early and may be followed by these typical symptoms. Unlike the 'razor-blade' throat associated with the Nimbus strain, Stratus more often starts with voice changes and discomfort in the throat region.
Severity and vaccination
According to WHO, vaccines, especially updated boosters, still offer strong protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to Stratus, despite a minor drop in antibody effectiveness. Some lab tests show a roughly two-fold decline in antibody neutralization compared to earlier variants, but protection remains robust.
So while Stratus can spread faster and sometimes lead to mild symptoms, vaccination remains the most effective defense.
How to stay safe
Public health experts emphasize that strategies effective against earlier Omicron variants remain powerful against Stratus:
Stay updated with vaccines:
If eligible, get the latest booster shot, which boosts protection against hospitalization.
Test early if you feel sick:
Seek a COVID-19 test, especially if you develop a hoarse voice or sore throat without a clear cause. Early detection allows for timely care.
Mask in crowded indoor spaces:
In areas with rising respiratory illness, wearing a well-fitted mask and maintaining distance can reduce spread risk.
Practice good hygiene:
Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and clean high-touch surfaces regularly.
Keep indoor air clean:
Improving ventilation or using HEPA filters helps reduce viral particles in shared indoor spaces.
Stay home if you're sick:
If you develop symptoms, especially respiratory, fever, or throat irritation, stay isolated for at least 48 hours after recovery to prevent spreading.
Follow CDC alerts:
Monitor local public health updates, especially as immunity fades and eligibility for boosters narrows
If you develop a hoarse throat, especially if it comes on suddenly and without a clear cause, take it seriously. Stay home, test for COVID-19, and follow hygiene and isolation guidelines. Keep your vaccinations current and follow basic precautions, especially in settings with vulnerable individuals. Even if Stratus is not more harmful, its higher spread can still impact community health.
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