CDC Warns of A Potential Uptick in COVID-19 in Georgia

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is hinting that a rise in COVID-19 cases could hit Georgia in the coming weeks.

As reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, wastewater surveillance (a leading indicator of COVID-19 activity) shows viral levels in the state approaching the highest estimates recorded this year. The Atlanta-based agency also reports a slight increase in positive COVID tests and ER visits compared to this time last year.

Despite the findings, the national rate of acute respiratory illness prompting people to seek care has dropped to a low level as of March 21.

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Seasonal influenza activity, while still elevated nationally, has declined for five consecutive weeks. CDC officials say the data suggest flu season has peaked, though flu-related medical visits, hospitalizations and deaths remain elevated. Several more weeks of flu activity are expected.

Nationally, COVID-19 activity is on the decline, but remains elevated in certain regions. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also trending downward in most parts of the country. Emergency department visits and hospitalizations for RSV continue to be highest among children, with elevated hospitalizations for older adults in some areas.

In Georgia, wastewater data show high viral activity levels for COVID-19, moderate levels for influenza, and low levels for RSV.

Vaccination Rates In Georgia Raises Concern

Despite the significant risk of influenza and COVID, vaccination rates remain low among adults and children in the U.S. RSV vaccine coverage is also low among adults.

The CDC estimates 13-18% of adults in Georgia have received the latest COVID-19 vaccine, which is below the national average of 23%.

This could be very alarming, as the CDC reports that COVID-19 is more deadly than the flu in Georgia. Since December, the virus has killed more than 240 GA residents. In comparison, there were 124 reported deaths related to the flu since October 2024, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.