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Nationwide COVID cases surge, with the highest rates concentrated in the Southwest, alongside the resumption of schools

Soaring COVID-19 cases in the Southwestern U.S. hit 12.5%, marking the highest rate in the country. This development occurs amidst California student's return to school, following Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s decision to disregard the CDC's guidance on administering booster shots.

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Nationwide COVID cases surging, particularly in the Southwest, as students resume in-person...
Nationwide COVID cases surging, particularly in the Southwest, as students resume in-person learning

Nationwide COVID cases surge, with the highest rates concentrated in the Southwest, alongside the resumption of schools

The Stratus variant, also known as XFG, has become the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the United States, particularly in recent months. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the variant has been detected in wastewater in 30 states, with cases likely growing in 45 states as of August 2025 [1][2].

Symptoms and Characteristics

The Stratus variant is a combination of earlier variants F.7 and LP.8.1.2. It is known for its high transmissibility and ability to partly evade immune defenses built from previous infections or vaccinations [1][2]. Common symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and congestion, with some reports of hoarseness [2][4]. Despite its evasive capabilities, existing vaccines remain effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death [1].

Southwestern United States: High COVID-19 Activity

Several states in the Southwestern United States, including Utah, California, Nevada, Colorado, Texas, and Arizona, are experiencing high or very high levels of COVID-19 activity [1][3]. The region is particularly vulnerable due to the back-to-school season, which contributes to increased transmission rates among children and families. While the overall severity is lower than in the pandemic's early years, the rise in cases is concerning public health officials [1][3].

Key Points for the Southwestern Region

  • States like California and Nevada are experiencing significant viral activity, contributing to the spread of the Stratus variant [1][3].
  • The increase in cases coincides with the school year, which can exacerbate transmission rates in crowded environments [1].
  • Continued monitoring and adherence to public health guidelines remain crucial to manage the spread and mitigate severe outcomes [1][3].

The spike in COVID-19 rates is attributed to the new highly contagious Stratus variant. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has been routinely recommending updated COVID vaccinations alongside the typical yearly flu vaccination schedule [1]. Weekly deaths, a metric that lags behind positivity rates, has so far remained low.

Despite the rise in cases, the panel acknowledged that booster effectiveness decreases as new COVID strains emerge, but still felt that most Americans should get booster shots. The CDC estimates that only about 23% of adults and 13% of children received the 2024-25 COVID booster - even with the vaccine recommendation still in place [1].

A group of leading medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Physicians, and the American Public Health Assn., filed a lawsuit against the decision to remove the COVID vaccine from the recommended immunization schedule [1]. The nationwide COVID positivity rate hit 9% in early August, surpassing the January post-holiday surge, but still below last August's spike to 18% [1].

Los Angeles County has recorded the highest COVID levels in its wastewater since February [1]. The Stratus variant, first detected in Asia in January, has become the predominant strain in the U.S. by the end of June, accounting for two-thirds of virus variants detected in wastewater in the U.S., according to the CDC [1].

References: [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). COVID-19 Data Tracker. Retrieved from https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/COVID-19-Data-Tracker/9ihg-7imt [2] World Health Organization. (2025). SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/en/activities/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants/ [3] The New York Times. (2025). COVID-19 in the U.S.: Latest Map and Case Count. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/covid-19-us-cases.html [4] Mayo Clinic. (2025). COVID-19 Symptoms and When to Seek Care. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/covid-19-symptoms/art-20485472

  1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitors health-related data, including COVID-19, across the United States.
  2. The Stratus variant, a combination of earlier variants F.7 and LP.8.1.2, is recognized for its high transmissibility and immune-defense evasion.
  3. California, among several states in the Southwestern United States, is currently experiencing significant viral activity.
  4. Climate change, landscape, and population density in the Southwestern region make it particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 spread.
  5. Public health officials are concerned about the back-to-school season's potential impact on the increase in COVID-19 cases.
  6. Adherence to public health guidelines is crucial to manage the spread and mitigate severe outcomes, even with the rise in cases.
  7. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has been recommending updated COVID vaccinations in addition to the typical yearly flu vaccination.
  8. The CDC estimates that only about 23% of adults and 13% of children received the 2024-25 COVID booster, despite the vaccine recommendation still in place.
  9. A group of medical organizations has filed a lawsuit against the decision to remove the COVID vaccine from the recommended immunization schedule.
  10. Trends in the COVID positivity rate vary across locations, with Los Angeles showing the highest levels since February.
  11. The Stratus variant, first detected in Asia in January, has become the predominant strain in the United States by June.
  12. In California, wastewater samples show an increase in the presence of the Stratus variant, which has sparked public health concern.
  13. Chronic diseases, such as cancer, respiratory conditions, and autoimmune disorders, can aggravate the impact of COVID-19 on health.
  14. Medical-conditions like cardiovascular health, neurological disorders, mental health, and diabetes must be taken into account in a patient's COVID-19 treatment plan.
  15. Strict science and data-driven research continue to shape our understanding of COVID-19 and the various treatment therapies available.
  16. Scientists and researchers work tirelessly to develop new treatments, vaccines, and therapies for chronic diseases, including COVID-19.
  17. Environmental science plays a crucial role in understanding infectious disease transmission patterns and climate change's impact on public health.
  18. Energy production and manufacturing industries must adhere to strict safety protocols to protect workers from potential COVID-19 transmission.
  19. Health-and-wellness practices like fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and mental-health care have become increasingly important in managing the stress and isolation caused by the pandemic.
  20. Healthcare and finance industries collaborate closely to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for all Americans, especially during health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
  21. The healthcare industry has faced many challenges in recent years, including workforce shortages, financial strains, and increasing demand for services.
  22. Beyond preventing COVID-19, focusing on overall health and wellness can help individuals build resilience against various illnesses, such as chronic diseases.
  23. Many states have implemented measures like mask mandates and social distancing requirements to limit the spread of COVID-19.
  24. Digital technology has played a critical role during the pandemic, enabling remote work, distance learning, and telemedicine.
  25. The cybersecurity industry must protect against potential vulnerabilities in healthcare and digital technology systems during the pandemic.
  26. The rise of e-commerce has transformed the retail industry, with consumers increasingly relying on online shopping for essential items.
  27. In recent years, some states have enacted laws regulating the transportation sector to improve safety and environmental impacts.
  28. Some industries, such as fintech and wealth management, focus on leveraging technology and financial expertise to help individuals make informed decisions about investment and personal finance.
  29. Personal-finance management has taken on increased importance during the pandemic, as many people face job loss and financial uncertainty.
  30. Long-term impacts of the pandemic, like mental-health issues and aging-related concerns, may require industry and social support for years to come.
  31. Emerging digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), gadgets, and data-and-cloud computing, are changing the landscape of various industries, including healthcare, finance, and entertainment.

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