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CDC data reveals notable regional COVID-19 trends as U.S. cases fluctuate during holiday period.
As the U.S. entered into the holiday season, a new map from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention broke down COVID-19 positivity rates across the country. The information, compiled for the week ending November 30, 2024, shows states with different infection rates based on trends that were already affected by Thanksgiving travel and gatherings.
Throughout the nation, the positivity rate on COVID-19 tests continued trending downwards, falling to 4% from 4.5% the previous week, yet several states saw their rates reach notably higher levels. In California, Arizona, Hawaii, and Nevada, the percentage was 7.1% for the week and this was an area where ongoing health vigilance was prudent with continued transmissibility of COVID-19. Other states, such as Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado, reported a 6.3% positivity rate, reflecting heightened levels of infection in the Western and Northern U.S.
While most states saw positivity rates under 5%, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Arkansas had some of the lowest percentages, with only 1.7% of tests returning a positive result. The CDC also reported that across the United States, the percentage of emergency room visits associated with COVID-19 was up a little, from 0.5% to 0.6%. New Mexico was one of the most affected states during the period with the highest rate of ER visits associated with the virus at 2%.
The CDC monitors the levels of COVID-19 in wastewater besides the testing data as part of its surveillance strategy. It found the elevated virus levels in the states' wastewater, such as Idaho and New Mexico, which implied a higher rate of infections. This data helps the CDC distribute resources efficiently and manage public health measures, which may include vaccination and mask recommendation.
The US will be monitoring these trends and is urging people to be vigilant on preventive measures especially during peak seasons like the holidays.
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