Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed a concerning reality: despite the US government's seemingly diminished focus on Covid-19, hundreds of Americans are still succumbing to the respiratory disease every day. CDC Director Mandy Cohen addressed this issue during a media briefing on 2 December, stating that the virus is currently responsible for approximately 1,000 deaths and 15,000 hospitalizations per week. While there was a brief decline in death rates in July, with numbers falling below 500 per week, they have since steadily risen, reaching as high as 1,400 in September.

In addition to the persistently high death toll, the latest CDC data has shown a significant increase in emergency doctor visits and hospitalizations. A 10% spike was observed over one week in mid-November, marking the first major surge in the virus's spread after a period of relative stability. The CDC is eagerly awaiting the release of updated data next week, which will determine whether Thanksgiving-related travel played a role in the anticipated rise in respiratory illnesses.

The Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states have experienced the most significant accelerations in Covid-19 cases, according to the CDC's latest weekly report. However, almost every region is reporting higher positive test cases and hospitalizations. Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin are particularly affected, as indicated by data from wastewater sampling and emergency room admissions. Although seasonal respiratory viruses such as influenza and RSV have contributed to increased illness rates, cases of RSV appear to have peaked. Dr. Cohen emphasized that Covid-19 remains the primary cause of new hospitalizations and deaths related to respiratory viruses.

Approximately two million Americans, residing in states including Arizona, Arkansas, Oregon, Colorado, and Montana, now live in counties classified as having “high” levels of Covid-19 hospitalizations. In response, the CDC recommends mask use and advises against non-essential indoor gatherings to prevent further transmission of the virus. Among the new cases reported, an estimated 10% can be attributed to the highly mutated BA.2.86 strain, commonly known as the “Pirola” variant. Health officials are cautiously monitoring the spread of this strain, which was initially identified in August. The HV.1 subvariant accounts for approximately 31% of new cases, while the EG.5 strain makes up 13%, according to CDC data.

A contributing factor to the recent surge in cases is the low uptake of Covid-19 booster shots. Only 16% of US adults have received a fourth booster shot designed to combat new variants, according to the latest CDC figures. A recent poll conducted by Emerson College-CUNY revealed that just under half of Americans planned to get the latest Covid-19 vaccine. However, in 22 “Heartland” states, this figure dropped to 43%. Kenneth H. Rabin, founder of the Council for Quality Health Communication, expressed concern over these findings, particularly highlighting rejection rates of 74% in Wyoming and 68% in Idaho. Rabin emphasized the need for health communicators to engage in meaningful conversations rather than relying solely on mandates to encourage vaccination.

It is worth noting that the CDC no longer tracks national Covid-19 cases, instead relying on the analysis of wastewater and emergency room data to determine trends. Official data indicates that a total of 1.16 million Americans have lost their lives to Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic.