BTN News: COVID-19 levels in U.S. wastewater have hit “high” for the first time this summer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The virus is reportedly increasing or likely to increase in 44 states, including Washington D.C.
California has observed “very high” coronavirus levels in its wastewater for the first time since winter, based on CDC data from the week ending July 6. California is among seven states in this category, joined by Arkansas, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, Oregon, and Texas. Nineteen other states, spanning all regions, are also reporting high levels of the virus in wastewater.
COVID-19 Levels in California Wastewater Much Higher Compared to Last Summer
The levels of COVID-19 in California’s wastewater are notably higher compared to last summer. In Northern California, two major sewer systems in Santa Clara County, covering San Jose and Palo Alto, have reported high virus levels.
The COVID-19 test positivity rate in California has also surged, nearing last summer’s peak. In the week ending July 8, 13% of reported tests were positive, up from 4.8% the previous month. This rate almost surpasses last summer’s peak of 13.1% recorded in late August and early September.
Los Angeles County Sees Significant Rise in Coronavirus Levels in Wastewater
Los Angeles County, the nation’s most populous, has seen a significant rise in coronavirus levels in wastewater. The county’s Public Health Department reported an increase in cases, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations due to COVID-19. However, it’s uncertain if this summer will see a larger wave compared to last year.
For the 10-day period ending June 29, coronavirus levels in L.A. County wastewater were at 27% of last winter’s peak, up from 17% in the previous comparable period ending June 22. COVID-19 cases in the county have also increased. For the week ending July 7, the average was 307 new daily cases, up from 121 the previous month. Last summer’s peak saw an average of 571 daily cases for the week ending August 26.
Officially Reported Cases Likely Underrepresent the True Number of COVID-19 Infections
Officially reported cases likely underrepresent the true number, as they only account for tests conducted at medical centers, excluding home tests. Nonetheless, case counts remain useful for tracking trends.
Emergency room visits related to COVID-19 in Los Angeles County have also risen. For the week ending July 7, 2.5% of ER visits were due to COVID-19, compared to 1.5% the previous month. Last summer’s peak was 5.1% in the week ending August 27.
Early Mid-Year Surge in COVID-19 Cases This Year Compared to Previous Years
This mid-year surge in COVID-19 cases began earlier than usual, starting in May. Previously, mid-year increases in L.A. County began in early July (2021 and 2023), but early May in 2022.
Kaiser Permanente in Southern California continues to see a rise in cases, mainly among outpatients. Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases at Kaiser Southern California, noted that numbers are gradually increasing. She emphasized the need to monitor the post-July 4 period for potential surges.
Health Officials Nationwide Monitoring the Rise in Infections and Providing Guidance
Health officials nationwide are closely monitoring the rise in infections. The New York City Health Department has advised residents to consider wearing masks, especially in crowded indoor spaces and for high-risk individuals. The department urged New Yorkers on social media to “Mask Up, NYC!” with an illustration of masked passengers on public transit.
Emergence of New Class of Subvariants Called FLiRT Contributing to Increased Infections
This rise in infections coincides with the emergence of a new class of subvariants known as FLiRT, estimated to be 20% more transmissible than the dominant winter subvariant. For the two weeks ending July 6, FLiRT subvariants, officially designated KP.3, KP.2, and KP.1.1, accounted for 70.5% of COVID-19 samples nationwide, up from 54.9% the previous month.
The CDC did not identify any states where the summer wave of COVID-19 is decreasing or likely to decrease. Three states—Hawaii, New Mexico, and Oregon—showed stable or uncertain trends in COVID-19 cases. No estimates were available for Missouri, Wisconsin, or Wyoming.
