New data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that COVID-19 cases are on the rise again, signaling a potential summer surge. While experts say the increase is not expected to be severe or prolonged, it is still a cause for concern.
One gene sequencing company, Helix, has noticed a mild uptick in cases based on testing samples sourced from pharmacies and health systems. Cases have increased by 30% to 40% since June, although the overall levels are still relatively low compared to previous spikes.
Caitlin Rivers, an assistant professor at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, states that there are early signs of another wave but acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the situation due to limited laboratory testing and data collection. Rivers finds it encouraging that the increase in cases does not appear to be driven by a new variant of the virus.
Wastewater surveillance, which provides consistent data on transmission trends, suggests that viral levels have plateaued. According to Biobot Analytics, a biotechnology firm partnering with the CDC, the concentration of coronavirus particles in sewage samples is about a third of what it was at this time last year. Newsha Ghaeli, president and co-founder of Biobot, explains that once a plateau is reached, a downward trend in cases is typically observed.
It’s worth noting that COVID-19 is not the only virus causing concern this summer. CDC data indicates higher levels of other pathogens that can cause flu-like symptoms or gastrointestinal issues, such as adenovirus, norovirus, and rotavirus.
The increase in COVID-19 cases is believed to be driven by human behavior, including increased travel and congregating indoors due to record-breaking heat. Additionally, waning immunity from previous infections and a lack of booster shots for many Americans may contribute to the rise in cases.
As the fourth summer with COVID-19 approaches, experts suggest taking precautions such as wearing masks in crowded indoor settings and getting tested when feeling unwell or before attending indoor events. They also emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated and potentially waiting for the new boosters targeting the XBB variant, expected to be available in September.
While the current increase may not be as intense as previous surges, experts believe it may be indicative of what living with the virus will look like in the future. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial to stay informed and follow recommended guidelines to keep the virus under control.