Aug. 13 -- Across the country, COVID-19 cases are increasing; the Centers for Disease Control forecasts that 45 states are experiencing growing or likely growing infections.
A COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, nicknamed "Nimbus" or "razor blade throat," is drawing attention because of reports of severe sore throats among some infected individuals. First detected in Asia in January, this variant is a descendant of Omicron and currently accounts for around 43% of U.S. cases, making it the dominant strain, according to the latest data from the CDC COVID Data Tracker.
Although it appears to be more transmissible there is no evidence it causes more severe illness or higher hospitalization rates, ABC News reports. Symptoms are predominantly consistent with previous COVID variants, such as sore throat, fever, cough, and fatigue.
The nation is experiencing a summer COVID surge due to Nimbus and Stratus, with case increases focused in the South, West, and Mid-Atlantic. With wastewater analysis and ER visits showing greater virus presence, however, deaths and hospitalizations are still comparatively low.
A new COVID-19 variant, XFG, also known as Stratus, is quickly spreading and is now the third most prevalent strain in the country, according to USA Today. While more transmissible and potentially more adept at evading immunity, it is currently considered low risk by the World Health Organization, with no evidence of increased disease severity.
States experiencing growing or likely growing COVID-19 infections:
CDC's recent data show that 8.5% of the 25,731 Americans tested were COVID positive during the week ending Aug. 2, a 2% increase from the previous week. The states that are hit the hardest by COVID are California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Texas, TODAY reports.
To protect against infection, public health experts urge individuals -- especially those at high risk -- to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including the 2024 -- 2025 booster.
Other ways officials recommend to stay safe include masking in crowded indoor spaces, improving ventilation, practicing good hygiene, testing when symptomatic, and isolating if positive.
© 2025 the Midland Daily News (Midland, Mich.). Visit www.ourmidland.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.