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USA TODAY
COVID-19 variants KP.3 and KP.3.1.1 account for 50% of cases, latest CDC data shows
By Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY,
7 hours ago
Mutating virus variant and cell mutation variants as a health risk concept and new coronavirus outbreak or covid-19 viral cells mutations and influenza background as a 3D render. wildpixel, Getty Images/iStockphoto
As many people look to enjoy the warmer summer months, COVID cases are rising across the United States.
Th e CDC's Nowcast data tracker showed the projections of the COVID-19 variants for a two-week period starting on July 7 and ending on July 20. The KP.3 variant accounted for 32.9% of positive infections, followed by KP.3.1.1, at 17.7%. Combined, the two variants make up 50.6% of cases.
The data also shows that from June 23 to July 6, KP.3 was at 33.7% during the previous two-week period. The strain decreased in positivity by 0.8%. However, KP.3.1.1. rose 10.9% from 6.8% for the period ending on July 6 to 17.7% on July 20.
The CDC has not said if KP.3 or KP.3.1.1 have their own specific symptoms. However, CDC Spokesperson Rosa Norman previously told USA TODAY that the symptoms associated with KP.3 are similar to those from JN.1. The government agency outlines the basic symptoms of COVID-19 on its website. These symptoms can appear between two and 14 days after exposure to the virus and can range from mild to severe.
These are some of the symptoms of COVID-19:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
Loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
The CDC said you should seek medical attention if you have the following symptoms:
Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion
Inability to wake or stay awake
Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds
CDC data shows the COVID-19 test positivity by state
CDC data shows which states have the lowest and highest COVID-19 positivity rates from July 6 to July 13, 2024.
How can we protect ourselves from KP.3, KP.3.1.1, and other variants?
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months old and older get the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine.
Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com . Follow her on Instagram , Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.
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