COVID-19 cases are rising in at least 26 states, according to the latest CDC data, published July 18.
Four notes:
1. Overall, the level of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek healthcare services across the country is low. However, data indicate COVID activity is growing in Arkansas, Iowa, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. Cases are “likely growing” in another 16 states and the District of Columbia.
2. While COVID-related ED visits remain low, they are on the rise among children age 4 and younger.
3. Newer variants — such as NB.1.8.1 — are likely contributing to an increase in COVID-related activity, as they have demonstrated increased transmissibility compared to earlier variants. However, there is no evidence that the latest strains cause more severe disease. NB.1.8.1 accounted for 43% of cases in the U.S., as of June 21, according to the latest estimate from the CDC.
4. While HHS recently shifted away from a blanket recommendation for routine pediatric COVID vaccination in healthy children, the CDC continues to advise vaccination based on shared decision-making between parents and providers.
