COVID-19 cases are rising again in Florida, defying the winter transmission pattern. Recent data shows a worrying rise in instances, with numerous variables leading to the virus's reemergence.
Reports reveal that COVID-19 transmission has increased in the US during the previous three summers, despite respiratory infections being more frequent in the winter. This year, wastewater statistics, hospitalizations, and fatalities show a two-month surge in instances.
Biobot wastewater data reveals the virus's prevalence, as COVID-19 in wastewater samples has consistently increased nationwide since late June. Biobot's data is not state-specific, although Florida is in the South and has followed the national pattern, with a tiny decline lately, per Florida Today.
The CDC recorded 15,067 COVID-19 hospitalizations between Aug. 13 and 19. That's 18.8% higher than last week. Despite not reporting the exact number of deaths, the public health agency ascribed 1.7% of all US deaths to COVID, a 21.4% rise from the previous week.
Florida recorded 2,086 COVID-19 hospitalizations, up 9.4% from the previous week. The CDC also reported that 3.4% of state fatalities were COVID-19, up 21.4% from the prior week.
Eris Variant Responsible for Latest COVID-19 Surge
US News & World Report reports that an improved booster shot will be released in mid-September to tackle the latest COVID-19 surge. Even though the booster won't target the dominant variation, EG.5, or "eris," all contemporary strains are descendants of omicron. Health authorities believe the vaccination will still protect against serious diseases.
Over 20% of recent US infections are caused by the EG.5 strain, according to CDC statistics. Over the previous two weeks, 22% of cases have been EG.5, the most common strain. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), EG.5 is the most common strain worldwide and a "variant of interest," prompting worries that it might cause a global outbreak.
According to the WHO, EG.5 is more transmissible and may partly evade vaccination and past infection immunity. Fortunately, the strain has not been connected to a more serious illness.
The CDC reports that COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased for six weeks alongside EG.5. The CDC's variation tracker does not include BA.2.86, a highly modified strain found in low amounts in the US. This strain has caused fewer than 1% of infections in two weeks.
Here's What to Know About Long COVID
Based on current evidence, the CDC believes COVID-19 testing and treatments are effective against this variation. Experts also expect the next booster doses to protect against serious sickness and hospitalization from these new strains.
Long COVID, defined by chronic symptoms after COVID-19 infection, remains a concern. Dr. Eric Topol, founder and senior vice president of Scripps Research, predicts that extended COVID may afflict over 10 million Americans. Fatigue, cognitive issues ("brain fog"), cardiac issues, neurologic issues, and more may occur.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, has indicated that one in 10 infections might lead to Long COVID, meaning that a considerable fraction of the population may need prolonged medical treatment, according to a USA Today report.
Long-term COVID-19 is risky regardless of age or health state, while acute infections are more likely to be severe in the elderly and those with underlying health issues. Vaccinations, boosters, and therapies like Paxlovid may reduce the chance of getting Long COVID.
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