California is experiencing a significant summer surge in COVID-19 cases, with viral activity in some regions now exceeding last winter’s peak. Health officials attribute the rise to a newly identified subvariant called NB.1.8.1, also known as “Nimbus” or “razor blade throat” due to the severity of symptoms it can cause.
Wastewater monitoring in the Bay Area shows the virus spreading more extensively than during the previous seasonal high in colder months. Although Southern California has seen a milder increase so far, experts warn that a rise there may be imminent. Dr. Erica Pan, California’s state epidemiologist, expects a modest COVID wave peaking in late August, mirroring last year’s summer pattern driven by different variants. Statewide wastewater data shows a 55% increase in virus levels over three weeks, with NB.1.8.1 dominating in California while another strain, XFG or “Stratus,” gains traction nationally.
Despite low hospitalizations and deaths currently, infectious disease specialists caution that these new strains can cause severe illness. Waning immunity, as many residents are over a year past their last infection or booster, may also contribute to the rise. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong of UC San Francisco noted that more patients are seeking advice on prevention amid the increased spread. The surge, which began in Northern California, is expected to reach Southern California soon, according to Dr. Elizabeth Hudson of Kaiser Permanente.
The California Department of Public Health urges all residents aged 6 months and older to stay current with COVID vaccinations, especially ahead of the expected late-summer peak. Officials are closely monitoring whether a winter wave will follow or if the state will see just one seasonal spike. With fast-spreading variants like Nimbus becoming more prevalent, health authorities emphasize the importance of vaccination and basic precautions as California faces another unpredictable COVID season.