COVID-19 cases are rising across the United States as many people seek to enjoy warmer summer weather.
While the KP.3 COVID-19 variant continues to lead as the predominant variant, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that another variant, KP.3.1,.1 is not far off the leading stock.
ofThe CDC’s Nowcast data tracker provided a two-week forecast of COVID-19 variants from July 7 to July 20. The KP.3 variant accounts for 32.9% of positive cases, followed by KP.3.1.1 at 17.7%. Together, the two variants account for 50.6% of cases.
According to the data, for the two-week period from June 23 to July 6, KP.3 was at 33.7%. The positivity rate for this strain decreased by 0.8%. However, KP.3.1.1 increased by 10.9% from 6.8% in the period ending July 6 to 17.7% on July 20.
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COVID symptoms for KP.3 and KP.3.1.1
The CDC has not said whether there are any symptoms specific to KP.3 or KP.3.1.1. However, CDC spokesperson Rosa Norman previously told USA Today that symptoms associated with KP.3 are similar to those of JN.1. The government agency outlines basic symptoms of COVID-19 on its website. These symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus and can range from mild to severe.
Some of the symptoms of COVID-19 include:
Fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea
The CDC says people should see a doctor if they have any of the following symptoms:
Difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake up or stay awake, pale, gray, or blue skin, lips, or nail beds
CDC data shows COVID-19 test positivity rates by state
CDC data shows the states with the lowest and highest COVID-19 positivity rates from July 6 to July 13, 2024.
Can’t see the map? Click here to view it.
According to CDC data, COVID-19 test positivity rates have increased by 12.6% over the past week..
On July 16, the CDC reported that COVID-19 infections were increasing in 42 states and stable or uncertain in six states. will decrease to zero.
Change in COVID-19 test positivity rate within one week
According to data collected by the CDC, from July 6 to July 13, 2024, four states saw the largest increase in positive COVID-19 cases, up 5.6%.
Below is a list of changes in COVID-19 positivity rates by state over the past week.
Alabama, +3.7%, Alaska, +0.6%, Arizona, +0.7%, Arkansas, +3.3%, California, +0.7%, Colorado, +3.1%, Connecticut, +3.4%, Delaware, +3.6%, District of Columbia, +3.6%, Florida, +3.7%, Georgia, +3.7%, Hawaii, +0.7%, Idaho, +0.5%, Illinois, +4.7%, Indiana, +4.7%, Iowa, +5.6%, Kansas, +5.6%, Kentucky, +3.7%, Louisiana, +3.3%, Maine, +3.4%, Maryland, +3.6%, Massachusetts, +3.4%, Michigan, +4.7%, Minnesota, +4.7%, Mississippi, Missouri, +3.7%, Montana, +5.6%, Nebraska, +3.1%, Nevada. +5.6%, New Hampshire +0.7%, New Jersey +3.4%, New Mexico +5.5%, New York +3.3%, North Carolina +5.5%, North Dakota +3.7%, Ohio +3.1%, Oklahoma +4.7%, Oregon +3.3%, Pennsylvania +0.6%, Puerto Rico +3.6%, Rhode Island +5.5%, South Carolina +3.4%, South Dakota +3.7%, Tennessee +3.1%, Texas +3.7%, Utah +3.3%, Vermont +3.1%, Virginia +3.4%, Washington +3.6%, West Virginia +0.6%, Wisconsin +3.6%, Wyoming +3.1%,
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How can I protect myself from KP.3, KP.3.1.1, and other variants?
The CDC is recommending that everyone 6 months of age and older be vaccinated with the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine.
Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on USA TODAY’s National Trending Team. Ahjané covers breaking news, auto recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.
