Why COVID Cases Are Slowly Rising Again in the US

Summary: The US is seeing a gradual surge of COVID cases given the winter season, travel periods and cold climate.

‘Tis winter and the Christmas holidays are on. People are travelling a lot more this season. The US is seeing a surge of influenza cases, given the numerous indoor gatherings this season.

A late-summer COVID wave was noticed in the US. The culprit is the highly infectious XFG-variant, aka ‘Stratus’. The wave saw a lull but has gradually begun swelling again.

The statistics

In the US, the COVID-related cases are increasing in 31 states, are stabilising in 15 states and declining in just one state, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Based on data on December 18, the following states are seeing a surge in COVID cases: Arizona, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota and West Virginia. The Midwest and Northeast states of the US are under the COVID wave at present.

“Stratus”

The ‘Stratus” variant is the root cause of surging COVID cases in the US. It spreads easily, particularly in indoor settings/gatherings. Low vaccination, winter season, holiday travels, and indoor gatherings all contribute to the surge.

The monitor

WastewaterSCAN, a program that monitors the virus, is run by Stanford University and Emory University, and shows an increase in SARS-CoV-2 infections all over the US. It is further noted that these levels show a 21% increase since November 2025.

The impact

The number of hospitalisations of adults aged 65 years and above is seeing an increase. Influenza cases are noted, but COVID cases are rising gradually, too, in the US.
COVID makes its presence felt in two waves: one in late summer and the other in winter.

Conclusion

It seems COVID is here to stay. The precautions to be taken are sanitisation, frequent washing of hands, masking up during travels and in crowded places, maintaining a safe distance, not ignoring initial symptoms, and consulting your healthcare professional.

Be safe, stay healthy.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources