The US is dealing with a worrying recurrence of instances as the fight against COVID-19 continues. The virus has infected about 20% of the departing Metro Council, demonstrating the pandemic’s pervasive effects. Over 8,000 hospital admissions for COVID-19 diagnosis in August alone, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is a troubling increase.
Dr. Todd Rice, Director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, stated that “we’ve seen a bit of an uptick in our COVID cases, both in the community end and the hospital.” He gave a number of explanations for the escalation.
The immunity reduction in people who previously had COVID-19 and subsequent booster doses is one significant cause.
“The course of immunity wane[s] over a few months, and I think we’re seeing some of that waning in people who had corona before, and those who received booster shots are now three, four, or five months out from that,” said the researcher. Their immunity has slightly reduced, according to Rice.
The continuous virus mutation makes the situation much more complicated. The Omicron family has a brand-new member known as Eris or EG.5.1. This new development makes it even more difficult to stop the virus from spreading. The effects are also felt by the Nashville neighbourhood. About eight of the 40 Metro Council members have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the vice mayor.
Even Freddie O’Connell, a candidate for mayor, tested positive. More than 725 new cases were recorded by the Tennessee Department of Health in the state, highlighting the resurgence’s expanding reach. Through wastewater surveillance, the Nashville Public Health Department discovered indications of a rise in COVID-19 cases. Without relying just on testing results, this innovative method sheds light on the virus’s spread. Following a period of comparatively low infection rates, the concentration of COVID-19 in wastewater has gradually increased since June.
A representative from the Nashville Public Health Department said, “Our epidemiologist says the rise appears to have ‘levelled off’ for the time being, but it is something we continue to keep a close eye on.” Another COVID booster is anticipated to receive FDA approval and go on sale perhaps early next month.
