COVID-19 Cases Rise in Texas, 9 Other States Amid Summer Surge

The seasonal surge in COVID-19 cases has arrived, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an increase in activity in the majority of states.

As the U.S. approaches the midpoint of summer, the CDC is reporting cases of the virus are growing or likely to grow in 26 states, including Texas. A July 18 report used data from emergency department visits in its epidemic trend modeling. This modeling reflects trends in overall cases, not the actual numbers.

COVID summer 2025 surge: Why do cases rise every summer?

The rate of positive COVID-19 tests is increasing nationally, the CDC said, based on data from the last week, with emergency department visits for the virus increasing among children 4 years old and younger.

Although there is an uptick in COVID-19 cases in more than two dozen states, the CDC reports that the overall number of people seeking care for acute respiratory illnesses remains at a very low level. That's accompanied by low levels of seasonal influenza activity and very low levels of RSV activity, the CDC says.

Overall, trends in COVID-19 cases continue downward as compared to the last few years, according to long-term data trends in deaths, emergency room visits and positive cases.

The U.S. has experienced a surge in COVID-19 cases every summer since 2020. The CDC attributes the July and August increases to a variety of virological, behavioral and environmental factors. For one, most get annual vaccinations in the fall, so by late summer, those individuals' immunity "has waned considerably." Infection also becomes more likely as more transmissible variants emerge.

The summer heat drives people indoors to air-conditioned spaces, where restrictions on ventilation and air circulation enable the virus to spread more easily. Travel also peaks in the summer, and this year's season has proven particularly popular with travelers, as demonstrated by record-breaking numbers over the Memorial Day and Independence Day. The CDC warns that in addition to the higher rates of exposure related to travel, those who partake "may be more likely to write off mild symptoms as simply the result of jet lag, not illness."

Texas, 9 other states report growing COVID-19 cases

The following states are experiencing increases in COVID cases, according to the CDC's July 18 report:

• Arkansas
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Texas
• Virginia

COVID-19 cases 'likely growing' in 16 more states, CDC says

• Alaska
• California
• Delaware
• Georgia
• Indiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• New Jersey
• New York
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Wisconsin

What is 'razor blade throat' COVID?

The World Health Organization is monitoring a new COVID-19 variant called "NB.1.8.1," which, among other symptoms, causes a painful sore throat often referred to as "razor blade throat."

Several outlets report those with the variant say it feels as if their throats are covered with razor blades, hence the name. At least one person reported being unable to swallow when the symptom worsened.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19? How long is COVID contagious?

The CDC outlines the following as common COVID-19 symptoms:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Sore throat
• Congestion or a runny nose
• New loss of taste or smell
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting

The CDC also advises seeking medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Depending on skin tone, lips, nail beds and skin may appear pale, gray or blue

Those infected with COVID-19 can be infectious from 1 to 2 days before and up to 8 to 10 days after the onset of symptoms, according to the CDC's Yellow Book for international travel.