Yes.
Arizona has experienced a sustained uptick in reported COVID-19 cases, from fewer than 1,000 cases the first week of May to nearly 3,500 for the first week of August. Summer surges are not uncommon, as infections tend to follow seasonal patterns.
Rates of positive tests, emergency room visits and hospitalizations associated with COVID-19 have been elevated across much of the country during the summer months. Virus levels in wastewater have also been up, particularly across the western United States.
In May, the Food and Drug Administration updated its advice to manufacturers of COVID-19 vaccines to better target the most prominently circulating strains of the virus, like the KP.3 variant. The variant is bringing on common cold and flu-like symptoms, including fever or chills, cough and shortness of breath.
This fact brief responds to conversations such as this one.
The Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting partners with Gigafact to produce fact briefs, or quick-response fact checks, about trending claims relating to Arizona.
Sources
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Arizona Weekly COVID-19 Surveillance Report
- Center for Disease Control, COVID-19 Current Wastewater Viral Activity Levels Map
- Center for Disease Control, Wastewater COVID-19 State and Territory Trends
- Center for Disease Control, FDA Roundup: June 14, 2024
- Center for Disease Control, COVID-19 can surge throughout the year
- Arizona Republic, COVID-19 cases are rising in Arizona. Here’s what you should know
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The Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting is partnering with Gigafact to produce timely fact briefs, or quick-response fact checks, about trending claims relating to Arizona.
