KP.3 COVID variant remains strong, KP.3.1.1 emerges: Symptoms, CDC data

CDC data shows that KP.3 is still the predominant variant, followed by another variant, KP.3.1.1.

While many people are enjoying the warmer months, a new COVID variant is emerging in the United States.

While the KP.3 COVID-19 variant is still the dominant variant, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that another variant, KP.3.1.1, is not far behind the leading strain.

EThe CDC’s Nowcast data tracker showed projections of COVID-19 variants for a two-week period beginning July 7 and ending July 20. The KP.3 variant accounted for 32.9% of positive infections, followed by KP.3.1.1, at 17.7%. Combined, the two variants account for 50.6% of cases.

The data also shows that from June 23 to July 6, KP.3 was at 33.7% over the previous two-week period. The strain decreased in positivity by 0.8%. However, KP.3.1.1. increased by 10.9% from 6.8% for the period ending July 6 to 17.7% on July 20.

Covid-19 cases: Biden has COVID-19 and he is not alone. Cases are rising in the US.

COVID symptoms of KP.3, KP.3.1.1

The CDC has not said whether KP.3 or KP.3.1.1 have their own specific symptoms. However, CDC spokesperson Rosa Norman previously told USA TODAY that the symptoms associated with KP.3 are similar to those of JN.1. The government agency outlines the basic symptoms of COVID-19 on its website. These symptoms can appear anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure to the virus and can range from mild to severe.

These are some symptoms of COVID-19:

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
Loss of taste or smell
A sore throat
Stuffy or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

According to the CDC, you should seek medical attention if you have the following symptoms:

Problems with breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion
Inability to wake up or stay awake
Pale, gray, or bluish skin, lips, or nail beds

CDC data shows COVID-19 test positivity by state

CDC data shows which states have the lowest and highest COVID-19 positivity rates from July 6-13, 2024.

Can’t see the map? Click here to view it.

CDC data shows positive COVID-19 tests increased by 12.6% in the past week.

On July 16, the CDC said COVID-19 infections are increasing in 42 states, stable or uncertain in 6 states, and decreasing to zero.

Changes in COVID-19 test positivity within a week

CDC data shows four states had the largest increase of 5.6% in positive COVID-19 cases from July 6 to July 13, 2024.

Below is a list of states and their changes in COVID-19 positivity over the past week.

Alabama, +3.7%
Alaska, +0.6%
Arizona, +0.7%
Arkansas, +3.3%
California, +0.7%
Colorado, +3.1%
Connecticut, +3.4%
Delaware, +3.6%
District of Columbia, +3.6%
Florida, +3.7%
Georgia, +3.7%
Hawaii, +0.7%
Idaho, +0.5%
Illinois, +4.7%
Indiana, +4.7%
Iowa, +5.6%
Kansas, +5.6%
Kentucky, +3.7%
Louisiana, +3.3%
Maine, +3.4%
Maryland, +3.6%
Massachusetts, +3.4%
Michigan, +4.7%
Minnesota, +4.7%
Mississippi, +3.7%
Missouri, +5.6%
Montana, +3.1%
Nebraska, +5.6%
Nevada, +0.7%
New Hampshire, +3.4%
New Jersey, +5.5%
New Mexico, +3.3%
New York, +5.5%
North Carolina, +3.7%
North Dakota, +3.1%
Ohio, +4.7%
Oklahoma, +3.3%
Oregon, +0.6%
Pennsylvania, +3.6%
Puerto Rico, +5.5%
Rhode Island, +3.4%
South Carolina, +3.7%
South Dakota, +3.1%
Tennessee, +3.7%
Texan, +3.3%
Utah, +3.1%
Vermont, +3.4%
Virginia. +3.6%
Washington, +0.6%
West Virginia, +3.6%
Wisconsin, +4.7%
Wyoming, +3.1%

Biden Uses Paxlovid to Fight COVID: What you need to know about accessibility and effectiveness

How can we protect ourselves from KP.3, KP.3.1.1 and other variants?

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated against COVID-19 by 2024-2025.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on USA TODAY’s National Trending Team. Ahjané covers breaking news, auto recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.