As winter 2024 begins, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published new figures showing that COVID-19 remains a problem. Although the COVID-19 outbreak has been ongoing for four years now, the virus is still a problem across the United States, with the wastewater viral activity showing that more than half the states have high or very high levels of SARS-CoV-2.
Rising COVID-19 Activity
From late November through mid-December 2024, CDC identified “very high” COVID-19 wastewater signal in 14 states including Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Nebraska, South Dakota, Missouri, Minnesota, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Furthermore, 14 states were with the “high” levels of the virus, including Idaho, Utah, Kansas, Iowa, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, South Carolina, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maine.
Impact on Healthcare Systems
The same CDC data also shows that the number of COVID-19-associated emergency department visits and hospitalization has remained low but there is a worry as the infection rates start to climb. The agency is also still tracking respiratory viruses, including influenza and RSV, which are also increasing. Such extensive monitoring assists the public health departments in their ability to plan for increased hospitalization rates and make necessary preparations.
Public Health Recommendations
The CDC has asked people to continue getting their COVID-19 shots, washing their hands, and wearing masks to reduce the virus’s spread as viral activity rises. Swab sampling continues to be a valuable method in identifying a possible pathogen presence, including in people with no symptoms
Looking Ahead
It is therefore important that as we proceed through the winter season that we continue to be alert and to take action against COVID-19. CDC data collection and analysis will persist to influence future public health interventions and reduce the effects of the virus.