COVID-19 Cases Rise: Should you be worried and take immediate precautions? Here’s complete list of affected states, other details

COVID-19 cases are increasing in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting growing or likely growing case numbers in at least 26 states and Washington, D.C. The spike coincides with new variants and shifting guidance on vaccination.

COVID-19 Cases Rise: List of Affected States

CDC data shows that COVID-19 cases are either increasing or likely increasing in most regions. The states currently reporting growing cases include:

• Arkansas
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Texas
• Virginia

In addition, the following locations are seeing a likely increase:

• Alaska
• California
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Georgia
• Indiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• New Jersey
• New York
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Wisconsin

Impact on Children and Emergency Visits

According to CDC tracking, COVID-related emergency room visits for children under the age of 5 are at their highest since March. This group remains among the most vulnerable, as they cannot yet receive their own vaccine doses.

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What Experts Say About the Spike

Dr. Jon LaPook, chief medical correspondent for CBS News, said the rise is part of an annual pattern now observed since the pandemic began. He confirmed there are winter and summer spikes. He added that although the overall number of hospitalizations and deaths is decreasing each year, COVID-19 still poses risks to certain groups. These include children under 4, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.

Variants Nimbus and Stratus

The recent increase in cases has been linked to new variants named Nimbus and Stratus. Dr. LaPook stated that these are not more dangerous than earlier variants. Symptoms continue to include cough, sore throat, fever, and fatigue.

Earlier variants like NB.1.8.1 also showed no increase in disease severity. The new seasonal vaccines are designed to protect against current circulating strains, including Nimbus and Stratus.

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COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Guidance

The CDC and other health organizations have differing guidance on vaccines. The CDC encourages shared clinical decision-making, especially for healthy children. Most adults are recommended to receive the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, particularly if they:

• Are 65 years or older
• Are at high risk for severe COVID-19
• Have never received a vaccine

Some organizations, like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, continue to recommend vaccination during pregnancy. This helps transfer antibodies from the mother to the baby before the infant becomes eligible for their own shots.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. noted that vaccine decisions should be made in consultation with medical professionals.

FAQs

Are the new COVID-19 variants Nimbus and Stratus more severe than previous ones?
No. Experts say symptoms are similar to earlier variants. They include cough, sore throat, fever, and fatigue. Hospitalization rates have not shown an increase.

Should everyone get the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine?
The CDC advises most adults to get it, especially older adults or those at risk. Others should discuss it with their healthcare provider.