The latest reports indicate that the levels of COVID-19 in California’s wastewater are alarmingly high. The JN.1 variant of the virus is also dominating the state.
As we head into the summer months, COVID-19 is once again on the rise, with increasing infection levels that can be observed through case reporting, wastewater samples, and hospitalizations. According to the latest data from the Los Angeles County Health Department, there has been a daily average of 307 reported cases from July 1 to July 7, 2024, bringing the total number of cases for the year to 42,557. We all must take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and others from the further spread of the virus.
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According to the Centers for Disease Control, the test positivity rate has reached 10.1% on a 7-day average. The analysis of wastewater samples taken from June 20 to June 29, 2024, indicates that the concentration of COVID-19 is at 27% of the peak levels observed during the winter of 2023-2024.
From June 30 to July 6, 2024, an average of 240 patients who tested positive for COVID were admitted to hospitals daily. Out of these hospitalizations, 47% were due to COVID-related illnesses in May 2024, while the remaining 53% were incidental detections of the virus.
Currently, the most prevalent COVID-19 variant is JN.1, with high levels of viral activity detected in wastewater nationwide. In California, the level of COVID-19 detection in wastewater is classified as “very high,” measuring at 9.72. The West region’s level is 7.23, surpassing the national average of 4.98. Aside from California, other states with high levels of wastewater detection include Oregon, Nevada, Texas, Arkansas, Florida, Maryland, and Virginia.
