US Sees COVID-19 Surge Across 26 States

Children Under 5 Now Most Vulnerable as New Variants Emerge

The United States is experiencing a significant uptick in COVID-19 cases, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracking increases or probable growth in 26 states and the District of Columbia. This resurgence is occurring alongside the emergence of new virus variants and evolving vaccination recommendations.

States Report Rising Case Numbers

CDC data indicates a widespread increase in COVID-19 activity. States currently observing a rise in infections include Arkansas, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. Additionally, Alaska, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin are likely to see growing numbers.

Children’s Health at Increased Risk

Compounding concerns, emergency room visits for COVID-19 among children under the age of five have reached their highest point since March. This age group remains particularly vulnerable as they are not yet eligible for vaccination.

Experts Link Rise to Seasonal Patterns and New Strains

Dr. Jon LaPook, chief medical correspondent for CBS News, suggests this increase aligns with an annual pattern of winter and summer spikes observed since the pandemic’s onset. While overall hospitalizations and fatalities have declined annually, certain populations, including young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, still face considerable risk.

Nimbus and Stratus Variants Not More Severe

The current wave of infections is associated with newly identified variants, dubbed Nimbus and Stratus. Dr. LaPook reassures the public that these variants do not appear to be more dangerous than their predecessors, with common symptoms persisting as cough, sore throat, fever, and fatigue. Recent data indicates that prior variants, such as NB.1.8.1, also did not show increased disease severity. Updated seasonal vaccines are formulated to offer protection against currently circulating strains, including Nimbus and Stratus.

Guidance on 2024-2025 Vaccines

Health authorities, including the CDC, provide varied recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccination. The CDC advocates for shared clinical decision-making, particularly for healthy children. Most adults are encouraged to receive the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, especially if they are 65 or older, at high risk for severe illness, or have never been vaccinated. Organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists continue to recommend vaccination during pregnancy to transfer vital antibodies to infants. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized that vaccination decisions should always be made in consultation with medical professionals.

As of late 2024, the US has seen an average of over 4,000 new COVID-19 hospital admissions per week, according to the latest CDC data (CDC, 2025).

Intense Symptoms Mark New Variant

Patients infected with NB.1.8.1 are describing a throat pain akin to having “razor blades” lodged within, according to recent reports. Beyond this striking symptom, the illness presents with familiar flu-like characteristics, including nasal congestion, fatigue, a mild cough, muscle aches, and fever. Some individuals are also experiencing gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhoea and nausea.

Representational image

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified NB.1.8.1 as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM), indicating close scrutiny of its potential for increased transmissibility or disease severity. This variant is a sub-lineage of the Omicron family, continuing the virus’s ongoing evolution.

Global Risk Remains Low, But Vigilance is Key

According to officials at the WHO, the current global risk posed by this strain is considered “low.” Importantly, existing Covid-19 vaccines continue to provide effective protection against severe illness caused by NB.1.8.1. However, the variant’s genetic makeup is raising some concerns among experts.

NB.1.8.1 has undergone at least three genetic recombination events, integrating genetic material from other Covid-19 strains. While recombination is a natural process in viral evolution, each instance carries the potential for a variant with heightened infectivity or increased disease severity. As of May 2024, approximately 69% of the U.S. population had received at least one updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose, according to the CDC (CDC Vaccination Data).

“The global risk from this strain is currently low and that existing Covid-19 vaccines continue to be effective in preventing serious illness caused by the variant.”

—WHO Officials, WHO Report

Preventative Measures Remain Essential

Health authorities are reinforcing the importance of standard preventative measures to curb the spread of NB.1.8.1. These include maintaining physical distancing, practicing good respiratory hygiene, and adhering to all public health advisories. Staying informed and taking proactive steps are crucial in mitigating the impact of this emerging variant.

Continued monitoring and research are essential to fully understand the characteristics of NB.1.8.1 and its potential long-term effects. Public health officials will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

NB.1.8.1

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