The number of coronavirus infections is rapidly increasing in the United States. Emergence of FLiRT variantsCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals which states have been hardest hit.
Four states in the South and one in the Southwest have the highest infection rates, according to the data. In Region 6, which consists of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, 23.5% of COVID tests were positive, up 7.3 percentage points from the previous week.
The number of new positive coronavirus cases in the United States rose by 1.3 percentage points over the past week, from 13% to 14.3%. The data does not include at-home tests.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The CDC map allows for the comparison of infection rates between different regions, with the data averaged across different political divisions rather than reported by individual states.
Region 9 had the second-highest new infection rate at 17.8%, and includes the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada.
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Except for Region 4, seven other regions reported infection rates above 10 percent.
Region 4, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, had the lowest rate of new infections at 9.7%.
In May, New coronavirus variants emerge This variant of the virus is believed to be the dominant one in the United States, and experts predict a possible “summer wave” of COVID-19 infections.
The new strain, called “FLiRT,” is caused by a specific mutation in the spike protein. First detected in US wastewaterSymptoms of this strain are thought to be similar to those of the currently circulating strain, as outlined by the CDC.
As we move from the current summer wave into the winter season, when cases are likely to increase, the CDC is recommending that everyone aged 6 months or older get vaccinated with the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of vaccination history.
Moderna, Novavax, Pfizer Both are expected to release updated vaccines later this year.
The CDC also emphasized the importance of getting both vaccinations, as COVID and influenza vaccinations remain important to prevent severe outcomes, such as hospitalization and death. The organization confirmed that it is safe to receive both vaccinations during a single visit.
The latest data from the CDC shows that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, Detected in many common backyard animals Across the US
The virus has been found in animals including deer mice, Virginia opossums, raccoons, groundhogs, cottontail rabbits and eastern red bats.
Any science tips? Or health story Newsweek Should it be covered?Got a question? COVID-19 or new FLiRT variants? Please let us know at science@newsweek.com.
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