Washington, D.C. — COVID-19 cases are rising sharply across the United States, with positivity rates climbing to 11.2% nationwide and certain regions — particularly the South Central and West Coast states — seeing some of the highest spikes. Experts say the summer surge is being fueled by two new variants, Stratus and Nimbus.
Dr. Sarah Whitley Coles, a founding member of Those Nerdy Girls, warned:
“We’re seeing COVID increase in many communities across the United States, particularly severe, at least according to our current data tracking, in the West and in the South.”
Regions Hit the Hardest
COVID tracking data is less robust now than in previous years due to funding cuts, reduced testing, and discontinued tools. Still, available data shows hotspots in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana, where test positivity rates have reached 17.9%.
Dr. S. Wesley Long, medical director of diagnostic microbiology at Houston Methodist Hospital, noted that cases are climbing locally:
“We are seeing cases increase here in Houston, and in Texas, and if we look at the data that is available from the CDC, it certainly seems like the South Central US — Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana — are seeing some of the higher test positivity rates in the country.”
According to HuffPost, positivity is also rising on the West Coast, including Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada, with Colorado and the Dakotas reporting elevated levels as well.
Comparing Trends to Past Peaks
While the current national average sits at 11.2%, that figure is still lower than the 30% positivity rate seen during the Omicron peak in January 2022. COVID rates are currently lower in the East and Southeast, but infections there are also trending upward.
Dr. Scott Roberts, an infectious disease physician at Yale Medicine, explained:
“The highest test positivity is in the Texas region … with the second highest kind of broadly being the West Coast.”
Why Testing and Vaccination Still Matter
One challenge in gauging the true scope of the surge is that less testing is being done, meaning actual case numbers could be far higher.
Coles emphasized:
“The increased test positivity shows that there are increased COVID cases. It also means that we’re probably not testing enough. So, there’s likely more cases out there than we even suspect.”
To protect against serious illness, experts are encouraging eligible individuals to receive the newly approved 2025–2026 COVID vaccines. The FDA has approved shots for people 65 and older, and those under 65 with underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity.
Dr. Long stressed:
“Certainly, if folks haven’t had a recent COVID shot, would like to have a COVID shot, it is the best defense against severe disease, hospitalization and death from COVID.”
Practical Tips for Staying Safe
Doctors say you should take precautions seriously, especially in areas with high positivity rates. Some key advice includes:
- Stay home if you feel sick. Even mild cold-like symptoms could be COVID.
- Test early and repeat if needed. A negative test could be false; retest after 3–4 days if symptoms persist.
- Wear a mask in crowded or indoor spaces to reduce transmission.
- Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.
- Get vaccinated if you are eligible, especially if you’re at higher risk.
- Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure about eligibility for the new shots.
Coles added that if a first test is negative, don’t assume you’re in the clear:
“If that test is negative, it might be what’s called a false negative, or not positive yet. Because if you have COVID, we want you to stay home, protect yourself and protect others as well.”
The Bottom Line
COVID is once again spreading widely, particularly in the South Central states and the West Coast. While this summer’s surge is smaller than the Omicron wave of 2022, experts warn that testing less and underestimating symptoms could allow the virus to spread unchecked.
What are your thoughts on this latest COVID surge? Share your views in the comments below.
