These states have the highest COVID cases right now as "stratus" variant erupts

Twelve states are seeing higher positivity rates for COVID-19 tests compared to the rest of the country, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Why it matters: Positivity rates are popping off as the "stratus" COVID variant surges throughout the countrySummer outbreaks of COVID aren't surprising, especially as many children head back to school. But this recent COVID-19 wave comes as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unilaterally changed federal COVID vaccine recommendations.Driving the news: The CDC updated its regional data for COVID-19 test positivity on Monday, Aug. 11. The data accounts for the week ending on Aug. 2.Zoom in: The states with the highest COVID test positivity include:New Mexico (12%)Texas (12%)Oklahoma (12%)Arkansas (12%)Louisiana (12%)Nevada (11.3%)Arizona (11.3%)California (11.3%)Alaska (11.1%)Washington (11.1%)Oregon (11.1%)Idaho (11.1%)Worth noting: The rest of the country's test positivity rate ranks between 5% to 9.9%.The big picture: Overall, the CDC reports that the COVID-19 epidemic trend is "growing," with 45 states experiencing an increase in cases. No state has seen a decline in cases as of Aug. 5, per the CDC.Last Friday, the CDC upgraded the national wastewater viral activity for COVID-19 from "low" to "moderate," signaling a rise in cases nationwide.Higher wastewater activity was spotted in the Southeast, with Louisiana having a "very high" amount — the most nationwide."Stratus" COVID-19 variant risesContext: The rise in COVID-19 cases amid an uptick in cases of the XFG "stratus" variant. Though it was first detected in January, the variant now accounts for 14% of cases in the U.S., and is the third-highest among all variants stateside, according to the CDC.The World Health Organization said XFG might be more likely to evade immune defenses. However, current COVID-19 vaccines "are expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease," the WHO said in its June report.How to detect "stratus" COVID symptomsNo specific symptoms have been linked to "stratus," though news reports. suggest it can cause hoarseness.The "nimbus" or NB.1.8.1 variant, which is the most dominant in the United States right now, has been tied to "razor-blade" sore throats.More from Axios:What to know about rising COVID-19 cases and the surging "stratus" variantA new summer COVID wave may be on its way

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These states have the highest COVID cases right now as "stratus" variant erupts

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