California is experiencing its strongest summer COVID wave in years, with a new virus mutation possibly contributing to the surge.
Experts believe several factors are at play. Recent heat waves and wildfire smoke have kept people indoors, increasing virus spread. Many adults are also further from their last COVID-19 vaccine, making them more susceptible to infection.
A key factor in the current surge is a highly contagious subvariant called KP.3.1.1, which is spreading rapidly, even among those who have previously avoided the virus.
Dr. Elizabeth Hudson of Kaiser Permanente Southern California notes that while COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising, they are still lower than during previous peaks, likely due to some residual immunity and available treatments like Paxlovid.
Globally, COVID-19 infections are increasing, with concerns about new, severe variants. In recent months, many countries have seen COVID-19 surges, including at the Olympics. American sprinter Noah Lyles, who won gold in the 100-meter finals, struggled in the 200-meter finals due to illness.
The rate of positive COVID-19 tests is climbing, with global rates above 10% and European rates exceeding 20%. In California, the positivity rate was 14.3% for the week ending August 5, higher than last summer and winter.
New subvariants KP.2 and KP.1.1 began driving the wave early this summer, but by July, KP.3.1.1 had taken over. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong of UC San Francisco highlights the new variant’s increased transmissibility and immune evasion.
Cases are rising, particularly at Kaiser Permanente Southern California, where KP.3.1.1 is a major factor. People may mistake COVID-19 symptoms for allergies, so health officials recommend repeated testing if symptoms persist.
California has reported high coronavirus levels in wastewater for four consecutive weeks, following five weeks of high levels. In contrast, California experienced high levels for only eight weeks last summer.
Fewer people have been vaccinated this year, leaving many, especially older adults, more vulnerable. The CDC reports high or very high coronavirus levels in 44 states, with California among them.
In Los Angeles County, wastewater coronavirus levels have increased to 54% of last winter’s peak. The county is seeing an average of 479 cases per day as of August 4, double the number from five weeks ago.
Hospitalizations and ER visits related to COVID-19 are rising. In Santa Clara County, coronavirus levels remain high in key areas.
Local health officials in the Bay Area are recommending masks in crowded indoor settings. Despite some resistance, masks can help reduce infection risk, especially in high-risk environments.
Dr. Abraar Karan from Stanford University emphasizes the importance of testing, noting that missing diagnoses could prevent access to necessary antiviral treatments
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