COVID is on the rise again

The annual summer surge of COVID-19 infections has begun, fueled by the spread of new variants.

Why it matters: People congregating indoors to avoid extreme heat and an extremely busy July 4 travel period are expected to drive up infections.

• While experts expect this summer wave to remain mild, it’s a reminder to remain vigilant, particularly among those who are medically vulnerable.

By the numbers: Cases are growing or likely growing in 39 states, and they don’t appear to be declining in any state, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.

• Hospitalizations and deaths remain low.
• Wastewater surveillance, which is one of the more reliable ways of tracking COVID spread after testing dropped off, shows that COVID levels are rising in the Midwest, Northeast and South.
• The KP.3 and KP.2 strains, descendants of the highly contagious JN.1 variant and among the so-called FLiRT variants, account for more than half of infections, according to CDC data.

What we’re watching: CDC vaccine advisers on Thursday will discuss who should get the updated COVID-19 shots that will be released in the fall.

• The Food and Drug Administration this month recommended that drugmakers target the KP.2 strain.