Summer in Indiana is bringing a COVID surge

Indianapolis is seeing a summer surge of COVID-19 infections.

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.

The big picture: As of June 25, cases are growing or likely growing in 44 states, including Indiana, 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.

Zoom in: Cases reported in central Indiana have hit a three-month high, mirroring a trend seen statewide.

• Wastewater concentrations are at their highest point since February and still look to be rising, according to the most recent data from the Indiana Department of Health.
• Deaths remain low, with just 12 reported statewide from June 1 to June 26.

What we’re watching: The CDC recently recommended that everyone ages 6 months and older get the updated COVID vaccine when it comes out this fall, regardless of whether they’ve been vaccinated before.

• The FDA has recommended that drugmakers target the KP.2 strain.