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| - Last Updated on July 11, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A post on Threads has claimed that the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths has surged significantly in some parts of the USA. But we did fact check it as Mostly False.
The Claim
A post on Threads suggests that the USA is experiencing a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and deaths.
Fact Check
Is there really a rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths?
Yes, there is a rise in COVID-19 cases in some regions of the USA. But, the number of deaths has been on a steady decline since January 2024. And, that’s why we term this as mostly false. According to recent data from the CDC COVID Data Tracker, several states, including Arizona, New Mexico, and Florida, have experienced higher test positivity rates over the past four weeks. This indicates a rise in detected cases.
The CDC COVID Data Tracker provides comprehensive data showing an increase in COVID-19 cases in specific regions. For instance, in states like Arizona, New Mexico, and Florida, test positivity rates have increased significantly over the past four weeks. This rise in positivity rates means that a higher percentage of COVID-19 tests are returning positive results, suggesting a resurgence of the virus in these areas.
This increase aligns with reports of a “summer bump,” a term used to describe seasonal rises in respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. Such variations are common and can be influenced by factors like human behaviour, environmental conditions, and the emergence of new variants.
The CDC Variant Summary indicates that the KP.2 and KP.3 variants, derivatives of the Omicron variant, are currently the dominant strains in the USA. These variants makeup nearly half of all cases. They are more transmissible but do not appear to cause more severe disease than earlier strains, according to the CDC.
What is the real status of hospitalisations and deaths due to COVID-19 in the USA?
There is an increase in cases, but the impact on hospitalisations and deaths is more complex. Weekly hospitalisations have seen a slight increase but remain near record lows. The highest rates of hospitalisation are among those aged 65 and older, with a rate of 7.7 per 100,000 for the week ending June 15. However, this is still relatively low compared to previous surges.
Meanwhile, deaths have been steadily decreasing. As per the CDC COVID Data Tracker, deaths have continued to decline since January 2024. For the week ending June 8, only 283 COVID-19 deaths were reported, marking a record low. This suggests that while the virus is spreading, its lethality has decreased, likely due to higher vaccination rates, better treatment options, and increased immunity from previous infections.
This graph depicts the provisional weekly COVID-19 deaths in the United States reported to the CDC from January 11, 2020, to June 29, 2024. The data shows several peaks in deaths, with the highest numbers observed around late 2020 and early 2021. Since January 2023, there has been a notable decline in weekly deaths, reaching record lows by mid-2024, with only 80 deaths reported in the week ending June 29, 2024. This trend indicates a significant reduction in the fatality rate of COVID-19 over time.
This image shows recent trends in COVID-19 metrics in the US. Test positivity increased by 0.8% in the most recent week. Emergency department visits rose by 18.2%. Hospitalisation rates saw a 13.3% increase from June 9 to June 15. In contrast, COVID-19 related deaths decreased by 25% in the most recent week. This data indicates rising cases and hospitalisations but a significant drop in deaths.
How reliable is the data on COVID-19 in the US?
The data from the CDC is reliable and is widely used for public health decision-making and reporting. However, interpretation can vary, and media reports may highlight certain aspects without providing full context about regional differences and case severity.
What can we expect in the coming months?
Predicting the course of COVID-19 is challenging due to factors like viral mutations and changes in public health measures. Health experts suggest that with high levels of immunity from vaccination and previous infections, and the availability of effective treatments, the impact of COVID-19 might become more manageable, similar to seasonal flu.
The CDC’s forecast and outbreak analytics provide estimates of the reproduction number (Rt), which helps predict the spread of the virus. This data is important for understanding potential future trends and preparing public health responses.
What is the current status of COVID-19 in India?
India is currently experiencing a relatively stable period regarding COVID-19 cases. Recent reports indicate a manageable number of active cases, with no significant surges. Vaccination campaigns continue to be a crucial part of the strategy to control the spread of the virus. The government is also vigilant in monitoring for new variants and implementing public health measures as needed. Overall, the situation remains under control, but authorities are prepared to respond to any potential increases in cases.
The situation remains dynamic, and continuous monitoring and adaptation of strategies are essential for effective management. COVID-19 has given rise to numerous conspiracy theories since its outbreak, including COVID-19 is still killing people, the poor COVID-19 handling by the Indian government, and the false claim about COVID-19 in the U.S. water supply.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
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