Latest news with #SARS-CoV-2
San Francisco Chronicle
18 hours ago
- Health
- San Francisco Chronicle
COVID cases rise in California. Is this the start of 2025's summer wave?
COVID-19 is again on the rise in California, likely marking the beginning of an anticipated summer wave, according to the latest public health data. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that infections are now increasing in about half of U.S. states. The agency's latest update, released Friday, pointed to rising activity across more than two dozen states in the Southeast, South and along the West Coast — including California. Nationally, COVID-19 levels remain in the 'medium' category based on wastewater monitoring. That's up from 'very low' just a week earlier, signaling a clear upward trend. In California, wastewater surveillance confirmed the virus is spreading. WastewaterSCAN, a national program that tracks viruses in sewage, reported Monday that 95% of the sites tested in the state showed traces of the virus. The amount detected has increased since June. 'As we have seen in recent years, levels may increase during the summer months,' researchers noted in a July 14 report. Last month, an average of 150 people died each week from COVID-19, according to the CDC. Public health experts said the summer rise in cases is likely driven by a mix of factors, including increased travel around the July 4 holiday, large gatherings such as concerts and sporting events, people spending more time indoors during heat waves, and waning immunity among those who were last infected or vaccinated more than six months ago. Current virus levels are slightly below those recorded at this time last year. While no sharp spike has emerged, the steady rise mirrors familiar seasonal patterns. Genetic sequencing from wastewater samples shows the LP.8.1 variant is currently dominant, making up 33.2% of sequenced samples, followed by XFG at 24.6%. The NB.1.8.1 variant — nicknamed 'nimbus' and informally referred to as the 'razor blade throat' variant due to reports of painful sore throats — accounts for 7.5%. Despite its nickname, there is no strong evidence that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness or higher hospitalization rates. Still, public health officials continue to recommend vaccination, testing when symptomatic, and mask use in high-risk settings. 'For those who are older than 65, those who are very immunocompromised, and for pregnant persons and infants— especially under 2 — I would make sure you have received a COVID vaccine at least in the past year,' said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert at UCSF. A CDC analysis published Thursday suggests that COVID-19 has now settled into a twice-yearly pattern of surges, typically peaking from July through September and again from December through February. Scientists attribute this cycle to genetic changes in the virus's S1 region, a key part of the spike protein that enables the virus to bind to human cells. 'Our analysis revealed biannual COVID-19 peaks in late summer and winter, a pattern that is expected to persist as long as the rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and cyclical S1 diversity continues,' the report stated.
UPI
a day ago
- Health
- UPI
CDC says COVID-19 cases rising in 25 states
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 25 states are seeing growth in COVID cases as a summer wave appears to be starting, Adobe stock/HealthDay July 14 (UPI) -- COVID-19 cases are on the rise again across the United States, with the biggest increases in parts of the South, Southeast and West Coast. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 25 states are seeing growth in COVID cases as a summer wave appears to be starting, CBS News reported. Even though activity remains "low" nationwide - based on CDC wastewater data - it's up from "very low" the week before. Some of the biggest increases in emergency room visits for COVID have happened in the Pacific Northwest and the Southeast. In those areas, rates are now the highest they've been since February and March, CBS News added. Health experts had been watching for a possible summer spike, as new versions of the virus spread across the country. A recent CDC analysis shows that COVID now seems to follow a twice-a-year pattern: Cases usually peak once in the summer (July through September) and again in the winter (from December through February). "Our analysis revealed biannual COVID-19 peaks in late summer and winter, a pattern that is expected to persist as long as the rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and cyclical S1 diversity continues," CDC scientists wrote. S1 diversity refers to ongoing changes in a key part of the virus's spike protein - specifically the S1 region, which helps the virus bind to human cells, CBS News reported. The CDC is also warning about another virus that's spreading more than usual right now: Parvovirus B19. Most people who catch this virus don't get very sick. But some develop flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches and a rash. Pregnant women are at higher risk for complications from parvovirus B19. The CDC says they should take extra steps to protect themselves such as wearing a mask in high-risk places. In Chicago, health officials said emergency rooms are seeing a spike in patients with this virus. "Several of the most recent weeks saw the highest percentage of B19-associated ED visits compared to the same week in all years since 2015," health officials said. Parvovirus B19 is not the same parvovirus that infects dogs and other canines. More information The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on parvovirus B19. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Two common infections may trigger Alzheimer's, scientists warn – are you at risk?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCIENTISTS have spent decades trying to understand what causes dementia. Is it alcohol? Obesity? Or are some of us simply genetically predisposed? Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Two common infections may play a role in the development of Alzheimer's Credit: Getty The evidence is mixed - though experts generally agree that there are several factors involved in the abnormal build-up of proteins called amyloid and tau, which are what cause symptoms. A new review by Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pennsylvania, suggests two common infections may play a role. Researchers found both chlamydia pneumoniae and SARS-CoV-2 increase the levels of substances in the brain called cytokines. These trigger inflammation, which can "harm brain cells and may help speed up the buildup of harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer's". Chlamydia pneumoniae is a "very common" type of bacteria that causes lung infections, including pneumonia. It affects about 50 per cent of people by age 20, and 75 per cent by 65, and is passed on by sneezing and coughing, according to Superdrug. It is not the same as the STI chlamydia, though both are highly infectious. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes Covid-19. In 2022, seven in 10 people in England were thought to have been infected. That number is now likely much higher. The report, published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, found chlamydia pneumoniae and SARS-CoV-2 can invade the central nervous system through the blood-brain barrier and, "potentially more importantly", the olfactory route, which is responsible for our sense of smell. Common painkiller used for back pain ups risk of dementia by 29%, scientists warn "The olfactory system is lined with a specialised tissue called neuroepithelium that can serve as an entry point for pathogens to the brain," the authors said. "After initial infection, these microbes can travel along the olfactory nerves, ultimately reaching the brain's olfactory bulbs, which are linked to areas of the brain for memory and cognition. "This pathway is particularly relevant given that loss of smell is an early symptom in both Covid-19 and Alzheimer's disease." We hope to create new avenues for prevention and treatment Dr Brian J Balin They looked at patients with certain genetic factors known to significantly increase a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's - the most common form of dementia. This included APOE - a protein which transports fatty molecules like cholesterol to cells in our brain. Everyone carries two copies of APOE, one inherited from each parent. The three most common variants are APOE2, APOE3 and APOE4. Having at least one APOE4 variant is said to double or triple the risk of developing Alzheimer's, and someone with two variants is eight to 12 times more likely to get it, according to Alzheimer's Research UK. About one in 50 people carry two copies of APOE4. Scientists also examined the cytokines IL-6 and CCL2, which are involved in inflammation and immune responses in the body. Those carrying this gene variant appeared to be "more susceptible" to both chlamydia pneumoniae and SARS-CoV-2, "potentially amplifying" their risk for developing Alzheimer's. Co-author Dr Brian J Balin, a professor of neuroscience and neuropathology and director of the Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging, said: "These findings bring us one step closer to understanding the complex interactions between infections and Alzheimer's disease. "As we continue to learn more about the role infectious agents play in the development of this disease, we hope to create new avenues for prevention and treatment." What causes Alzheimer's disease? ALZHEIMER'S disease is thought to be caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells. One of these is amyloid, deposits of which form plaques around brain cells. The other is tau, deposits of which form tangles within brain cells. Unfortunately, it's not known exactly what causes this process to begin. However, scientists suggest that the following factors are known to increase your risk of developing Alzheimer's: Age - the single most significant factor. The likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease doubles every five years after you reach 65. Family history - the genes you inherit from your parents can contribute to your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Down's syndrome - the genetic changes that cause Down's syndrome can also cause amyloid plaques to build up in the brain over time. Head injuries - people who have had a severe head injury may be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, but research is still needed in this area. Lifestyle factors and conditions - smoking, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure are associated with a higher risk. Other factors - research suggests that hearing loss, untreated depression, loneliness or social isolation and a sedentary lifestyle may also play a role. About 980,000 people in the UK are living with dementia. This number is expected to rise to more than 1.4million by 2040. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, accounting for between 60 and 80 per cent of all cases. Symptoms often develop slowly over several years and they may not be obvious at first. In the early stages, it can be difficult to tell the difference between memory problems caused by Alzheimer's, and mild forgetfulness that happens as we get older. But memory loss is one of the most common early symptoms, and may include losing memories of recent events, asking the same questions repeatedly, or having difficulty following conversation and learning new information. Patients may go on to regularly forget names and faces, repeat the same behaviours and routines, regularly misplace things, become confused about the date or time of day, feel disorientated in unfamiliar places, have problems finding the right words, or become low in mood, anxious or agitated. As Alzheimer's progresses, it can impact other areas of life, including communication, sleep, movement, senses and day-to-day care. If you are worried that you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's, speak to your GP. While there is no cure, there are treatment options to help manage your symptoms for a time.
Medical News Today
3 days ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
What to know about the Nimbus COVID-19 variant
The Nimbus variant, or NB.1.8.1, is a strain of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. Alongside the usual symptoms of COVID-19, it can cause a razor blade sensation in the throat and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting. Although research on this variant is limited, it does not appear to result in more severe illness with COVID-19, and the currently approved vaccines are still is it?NB.1.8.1, unofficially named Nimbus, is a variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).It is currently listed as a 'variant under monitoring' (VUM) by the World Health Organization (WHO). Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been keeping track of different variants of SARS-CoV-2. The WHO assesses the variants and designates them as one of the following:VUM: This refers to SARS-CoV-2 variants that may require attention and monitoring. The WHO aims to determine whether these variants pose an additional threat to global public health compared to the other of Interest: A VOI refers to SARS-CoV-2 variants with changes that can affect how the virus behaves and its potential impact on a person's health. This could include its ability to spread and cause serious disease, and how it can be detected and of Concern: A VOC refers to SARS-CoV-2 variants that meet the criteria of a VOI and meet one or more of the following criteria: spreads rapidlycauses more severe diseasechanges in clinical presentationescapes the body's immune responsedecreases the effectiveness of public health measures, diagnostics, vaccines, or treatmentsWhat are the symptoms?According to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (Gavi), the symptoms of the NB.1.8.1 variant are essentially the same as the symptoms of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. The top five reported symptoms of the Omicron variant are:runny noseheadachefatiguesneezingsore throatHealthcare professionals in India report that it can cause a hoarse voice. Additionally, doctors in the United Kingdom warn that people may experience a razor blade sensation in the throat and gastrointestinal symptoms, including:nauseavomitingdiarrheaheartburnbloatingconstipationstomach painHowever, it is important to note that these symptoms have not been confirmed in scientific symptoms of COVID-19 include:coughshortness of breathnew loss of taste or smellmuscle and body achesheadacheWill it cause a more severe illness with COVID-19?The WHO has concluded that there is currently no evidence to suggest that this variant will result in more severe illness with COVID-19 than other also state that it does not appear to cause any additional public health risks and that it is not resistant to nirmatrelvir, an antiviral medication made by Pfizer to help treat COVID-19. This medication is combined with another antiviral called ritonavir under the brand name quickly does it spread?Although it does not appear to cause more severe illness with COVID-19, the NB.1.8.1 variant has evolved to spread to 2025 research, the NB.1.8.1 variant strongly binds to a human protein called ACE2. The virus uses this protein to enter human could be due to changes in its structure. Compared to earlier versions of the virus, it has seven changes in the spike protein, which is the part of the virus that attaches to human vaccines still effective against it?The WHO's risk evaluation states that the currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are still expected to be effective against this evaluation outlines one study that found that the NB.1.8.1 variant showed a 1.5- to 1.6-fold reduction in antibody effectiveness compared to the current most common COVID-19 variant. However, the WHO states that more research is necessary, and the current vaccines will still be explainedAntibodies are Y-shaped proteins that are a part of the immune system. The base of an antibody can communicate with other parts of the immune system, and the tip of an antibody binds to foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses, called antigens, to help the body eliminate it learns to recognize an antigen, the antibodies continue to circulate in the body and provide protection against future exposure to that particular the FDA has approved the following COVID-19 vaccines in the United States:Moderna (Spikevax)Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech)The FDA has also authorized the following COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use:Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 6 months to 11 years of agePfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for individuals 6 months to 11 years of ageNovavax (Nuvaxovid) for those ages 12 and over»Learn more:COVID-19 vaccines and current recommendationsSummaryThe unofficially named Nimbus variant, or NB.1.8.1, is a new strain of SARS-CoV-2. It appears to cause symptoms similar to another SARS-CoV-2 variant called Omicron. According to reports from doctors in the UK, it can cause a razor-blade sensation in the throat. Healthcare professionals in India report that it can cause a hoarse voice and gastrointestinal symptoms. NB1.8.1 is currently classed as a VUM by the WHO. This means that it is a variant that they will continue to monitor to see if it poses an additional threat to global public it does not appear to cause more severe illness with COVID-19, although it has evolved to spread quickly. The currently-approved vaccines are expected to remain effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant.
WebMD
5 days ago
- Health
- WebMD
FDA OKs Moderna's COVID Shot for Kids, With Limits
The FDA has given full approval to Moderna's COVID-19 shot, Spikevax, allowing it to be used in children 6 months to 11 years old, with some limits on who can get it. First approved in 2022, Spikevax was allowed for this age group under Emergency Use Authorization, meaning children could get it only if a doctor thought it was needed. The vaccine is mainly for adults 65 and older, but people 6 months to 64 years old can also get it if they have certain health conditions that make them more likely to get seriously sick from COVID. COVID is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which spreads quickly and infects the airways, causing cold and flu-like symptoms. Most children usually have mild illness, but those with conditions like obesity, diabetes, nerve issues, or heart or lung problems can get very sick, sometimes requiring hospital care or intensive treatment. Getting a vaccine is still one of the best ways to lower this risk. The Spikevax vaccine contains special genetic material (mRNA) that teaches your body's immune system to recognize a key virus protein, helping it to make antibodies to protect you. The shot is given by a health care provider into a muscle, usually in the upper arm for kids and adults and in the upper thigh for infants. Those who've never had the Moderna COVID-19 shot need two doses, one now and one a month later. Those who've taken one previous dose need one more after a month. Those who've taken two or more doses need just one more, at least two months after their last shot. Moderna plans to have its updated Spikevax vaccine ready in the U.S. for people who need it during the 2025-2026 cold and flu season, according to their news release. The most common side effects of the Spikevax shot are pain where the needle went in the skin, tiredness, headache, muscle or joint pain, chills, fever, rash, swelling or tenderness in the armpit or groin, nausea, and vomiting. Babies and toddlers may be fussy, cry, feel sleepy, have stomach pain, or not want to eat. In rare cases, they may faint or have seizures from a high fever. Some people, mostly males 12 to 24 years old, develop inflammation of the heart muscles (myocarditis) or the lining outside the heart (pericarditis) after taking mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, usually within a week of the shot. Seek medical help right away if you or your child has chest pain, trouble breathing, or a fast or pounding heartbeat within two weeks of getting the shot. Other symptoms in children can include fainting, fussiness, not eating well, tiredness, throwing up, stomach pain, or cold and pale skin. Before getting the vaccine, tell your health care provider about any medical conditions that you or your child may have, including allergies, a history of a serious allergic reaction to any COVID vaccine, heart-related issues, fever, bleeding problems, or a weak immune system. Also tell your health care provider if you are taking blood thinners, have received another COVID vaccine, or are taking medications that affect your immune system. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant or are breastfeeding, discuss what's best with your doctor.
