New COVID-19 variants lead surge in cases in the United States
CBS News reported that cases of COVID-19 infections may rise during the summer months in the United States — particularly among Western states.
Experts cited in the article noted that they have detected increased levels of the virus in wastewater as well as higher case numbers in nursing homes and emergency rooms across the western United States. The increase in COVID-19 cases comes about one month earlier than in 2023, when the experts identified a spike in cases in July and related emergency room visits in late August and early September.
They revealed that the KP.3 and LB.1 variants now comprise about 50% of cases; however, the LB.1 variant is currently growing at a faster rate than the KP.3 variant — indicating that it may become the dominant strain of the virus in the United States.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration selected the KP.2 variant for the updated COVID-19 shots that will be offed in the fall. The agency hopes its decision will offer greater protection from the virus as cases continue to rise.
Read more: CBS News
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