New COVID-19 activity remains uneven across the United States as a newly identified strain, labeled XGF (also seen in datasets as XFG), begins to gain traction in some regions.
Across the country, testing positivity and case patterns point to regional disparities. Western and southern states, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana, logged higher shares of positive tests in the week ending August 2.
The latest data show a mixed picture of severity as well. For the week ending August 2, 8.5% of the 25,731 people tested were positive for COVID, up 2% from the prior week. In the same period, deaths accounted for 0.3% of cases and emergency department visits for 0.9% of cases, each down 0.1 percentage point from the previous week.
Variant dynamics remain fluid, a consequence of inconsistent state reporting that has led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to extend the time between certain updates. The two most recent weeks of data, ending June 21, indicate NB.1.8.1 as the dominant lineage, responsible for about 43% of cases, followed by LP.8.1 at 31% and XFG/XGF at 14%.
XGF, a combination of variants labeled F.7 and LP.8.1.2 in some datasets, has moved from virtually zero presence through March to 11% by early June and about 14% by late June. NB.1.8.1’s rise from near zero in April to a substantial share by late May and June contrasts with the slower, but notable, growth of XGF/XFG.
A note on the data: the CDC has shifted to longer assessment windows due to lower reporting from some states. As a result, variant prevalence is being tracked over broader timeframes, which can blur short-term shifts but provides a clearer national view of trends.
What this means and what to watch
– Regional hotspots may persist, with Western and Southern states showing higher positivity. Local health departments will likely keep an eye on hospital and ER trends alongside test positivity.
– The variant mix remains dynamic. NB.1.8.1 remains the most common lineage in the current snapshots, while XGF/XFG’s growth signals that several strains are competing for dominance. Continued genomic surveillance will be key to understanding which variants drive transmission next.
– Public health guidance and vaccine development funding continue to evolve in response to shifts in the virus; staying up to date with vaccinations and boosters, where eligible, remains a prudent measure for at-risk populations.
Additional context and value
– The widening timeframes for data reporting underscore ongoing challenges in real-time surveillance, highlighting the importance of robust testing and timely reporting to guide policy and health decisions.
– As variant landscapes shift, communities should monitor local alerts and guidance from health authorities, especially if there are changes in case rates, hospitalizations or the emergence of new variants.
Summary outlook
– While the U.S. overall is maintaining weekly data collection, regional differences persist, and a new strain, XGF/XFG, is rising in particular areas. The public health emphasis remains on surveillance, vaccination, and accessible testing to manage waves as they unfold.
Note: If you’d like, I can add a concise data box with the key figures (percent positivity, deaths, ER visits, and variant shares) for quick reference on the article page.