U.S. health authorities have indicated that there is a possibility of an increase in COVID-19 infections within the United States again.
On the 17th (local time), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that an analysis of emergency room visit data suggests that COVID-19 infections appear to be rising in 12 states. According to preliminary CDC COVID-19 wastewater surveillance data, the COVID-19 virus is increasing in sewage systems in the western region, including many western states such as Alaska, California, Arizona, Washington, and Oregon. Additionally, increases in COVID-19 infections have been observed in eastern areas including Washington D.C., Florida, and New Jersey.
Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve, also recently tested positive for COVID-19. This is his second positive test since January of last year, with the latest on the 16th.
However, most regions are maintaining respiratory illness activity at 'low' or 'minimal' levels according to CDC standards. As of the 10th, the nationwide average of confirmed COVID-19 cases among emergency room patients is 0.3%, which is significantly lower compared to the peak of 3% at the end of August last summer.
The currently circulating major COVID-19 variants are KP.2 and KP.1.1, collectively referred to as 'FLiRT.' These variants are closely related to the JN.1 variant that was prevalent last winter. U.S. health authorities noted that while COVID-19 virus levels remain low, they are monitoring the possibility of a resurgence as summer approaches.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
