Key Takeaways
- Since the start of August, Virginia has reported sustained slow growth of COVID-19 hospital admissions. Despite this trend, admissions rates remain low compared to those of January’s surge. Forecasts suggest that this trend will continue with minor growth expected in September.
- Other COVID-19 indicators corroborate the hospitalization data trends. Wastewater surveillance and COVID-like illness metrics also suggest sustained slow growth.
- COVID-19 variant proportions remain varied. EG.5 continues to grow as XBB.1.5 declines, but over a dozen other variants are active in the U.S.
- The new 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines could become available as early as next week. Pfizer and Moderna claim that their new vaccines will protect against the EG.5 and BA.2.86 variants. If approved, the vaccines will be available through routine healthcare provider channels.
- Influenza and RSV remain at low levels in Virginia. But there is some evidence of RSV growth among children in Florida and Georgia.
- The NHC is tracking Hurricane Lee as it forms in the Atlantic. Models cannot yet predict if it will make landfall.
- A major heatwave hit Virginia this week resulting in 180 heat-related hospitalizations. The heatwave is expected to break over the weekend.
VDH OEP Weekly Situation Update.
This page updates weekly on Friday by 5:00 PM.
The VDH OEP Weekly Situation Update is produced by the VDH Office of Emergency Preparedness. This update covers ongoing or potential public health and emergency preparedness issues, including COVID-19. This product is intended to enhance situational awareness among the public health, healthcare, and emergency management communities. Some items covered may pose little or no threat to the public at large. These items are included for situational awareness only and do not represent an endorsement of the source or information therein.