"Summer COVID Surge Intensifies with New Variant LB.1"

A new COVID-19 wave, driven by the LB.1 variant, is emerging earlier than last year, particularly in western states. The CDC reports no slowdown in infections nationwide, with virus indicators worsening and wastewater detections nearing high-risk levels. The rise of LB.1 and KP.3 variants is displacing the previously dominant KP.2. The FDA has updated vaccine recommendations to target KP.2, hoping for better protection against current strains. Early data suggests LB.1 may spread faster due to a specific mutation.