New COVID variants drive nationwide rise in cases; illnesses expected to be milder

Editor's Note

COVID infections are rising nationally, with cases increasing in 39 states and none showing a decline, NBC news reported June 24.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks Covid transmission through emergency department visits, which, along with deaths and hospitalizations, have recently increased, NBC reports. California has notably high infection rates, with positive test results rising from 3% to 7.5% over the past month.

Summer typically sees a spike in Covid cases due to increased travel and indoor gatherings, the article notes. This year's wave is expected to be milder in terms of severe illness. Several new variants, KP.2, KP.3, and LB.1, are driving the increase. KP.2 and KP.3, dominant in the U.S., make up around 63% of cases. LB.1 is growing rapidly and might soon become dominant due to its higher infectiousness and immune evasion capabilities.

Factors like indoor gatherings due to heat and Independence Day celebrations may further spread the virus, NBC reports Vulnerable individuals are advised to get the latest Covid vaccine and consider treatments like Pemgarda and Paxlovid. Young, healthy people might wait for updated vaccines targeting KP.2 expected in the fall, although the virus may evolve beyond these boosters by then.