San Antonio COVID cases are on the rise as variants spread

The rise in new cases for August consists of the arrival of two new variants of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the scene. Here’s what experts have to say about the increase.

Bexar County reported an increase of 2,682 COVID-19 cases for the week ending August 28. Metro Health reported an increase of 1,965 cases for the previous week ending Aug. 21. The city-run health department updates the numbers every Monday and the new week of data collection begins Tuesday.

A statement from Metro Health said it is not unusual to see an uptick in cases over the summer, but the current numbers are not close to the recent spike in 2022. Bexar County saw the highest weekly jump in COVID-19 cases. In January 2022, an increase of 42,983 cases was reported. And that was during the advent of Omicron.

August saw the debut of two new versions, EG.5 and BA.2.86, also known as Eris and Pirola, respectively. Eris is a strain of Omicron variants, according to a statement from Metro Health.

Dr. Jason Bowling is a University Health epidemiologist and professor of infectious diseases at UT Health San Antonio. It also confirms that Iris is the culprit behind most of the recent new cases.

Bowling says there are many factors contributing to the high numbers, other than summer travel to rise to pre-pandemic levels It could be one of the reasons. He adds that the recent summer heat has also prompted many people to congregate indoors.

Bowling says the symptoms are no different from previous Omicron strains, which are flu-like symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose and possible fever.

“That means we have a lot of coronavirus cases right now, but fortunately, most people don’t end up in the hospital,” Bowling says.

It still warns that vulnerable people over 65 and people with underlying conditions that weaken their immune systems should do so. Do a self-assessment of their symptoms and access to hospital if they need treatment.

the The CDC reported Perula on August 23. As of that date, only two cases had been found in the United States. The U.S. could see more cases of Pyrola, Pauling says, but it’s different from the Omicron variant.

“The real question is whether or not this one is going to be able to sort of compete with Eris and EG.5 and the other (Omicron) descendants that have the top 15 in circulation right now,” Bolling says.

A risk assessment by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the variant does not currently pose a severe risk as existing tests and treatments have proven effective against the Pyrola variant, including the vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and San Antonio Metro Health encourage people to get vaccinated to help prevent any severe symptoms. You can find a list of pop-up immunization clinics on the Metro Health website. An updated booster vaccine is expected to be rolled out in mid-September, says Pauling.

The CDC also recommends washing your hands, getting tested if you have any symptoms, and staying home if you are sick. People with high-risk illnesses or conditions can choose to wear a mask to better protect themselves.