What States Is COVID Spreading Most?

Is COVID-19 Surging This Winter? What Experts Say About Cases, Symptoms, and Prevention

Winter is approaching, and with it, the usual questions about COVID-19 resurfacing. Is another surge on the horizon?

While COVID-19 activity remains low in most areas of the United States, experts say it’s too early to say with certainty whether a significant winter wave will hit. While we typically see spikes in cases during the colder months, there’s a lot of uncertainty this year.

Current COVID-19 Activity in the US

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of December 6, 2024, COVID-19 wastewater levels, laboratory positivity rates, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations are currently stable or decreasing nationally. Deaths remain very low.

“We are entering the holiday season at one of the lowest COVID rates in the past few years,” says Dr. Scott Roberts, associate medical director of infection prevention at Yale School of Medicine. This lower rate may be due to immunity from previous infections, particularly from the recent summer surge.

Despite the current low numbers, several experts caution against complacency. “This is the most uncertain time in pandemic forecasting in the past two years,” says Dr. Michael Hoerger, associate professor at Tulane University and a public health expert on tracking COVID-19 infections.

States with the Highest COVID-19 Rates

While overall COVID-19 prevalence is low, the Midwest is seeing higher activity. According to viral activity in wastewater, as of November 30, 2024, states with the highest COVID-19 rates include:

* New Mexico
* Arizona
* Minnesota
* Missouri
* Montana
* Nebraska
* New Hampshire
* Rhode Island
* South Dakota

While wastewater data offers valuable insights, it’s important to remember that testing rates are lower than they were during the pandemic.

As of December 6, 2024, the five states with the highest COVID-19 test positivity rates are:

* Nevada (7.1%)
* Hawaii (7.1%)
* California (7.1%)
* Arizona (7.1%)
* Wyoming (6.3%)

COVID-19 Symptoms: What to Watch For

Common COVID-19 symptoms include:

* Sore throat
* Runny nose
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