It may seem like everyone is either getting COVID-19 this summer, or knows someone who has. That’s because for the fourth year in a row, COVID cases are experiencing a summer surge.
The CDC now tracks COVID-19 mostly through wastewater and found that viral activity has multiplied more than four times from the beginning of May to now. The CDC classifies the viral activity level as “high.”
So what’s behind this surge? And why does it keep happening in the summer?
SciFri’s John Dankosky talks with Jessica Malaty Rivera, infectious disease epidemiologist and science communicator at the de Beaumont Foundation, about what’s behind the surge and how to stay safe.
Further Reading
- The CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine guidance.
- The FDA’s resources for at-home COVID-19 tests and expiration dates.
- Learn more from the Public Health Communications Collaborative.
- Follow guest Jessica Malaty Rivera on Instagram.
- The People’s CDC.
- Learn more from “Your Local Epidemiologist,” Katelyn Jetelina.
Segment Guests
Jessica Malaty Rivera
Jessica Malaty Rivera is an infectious disease epidemiologist and science communicator at the de Beaumont Foundation, based in San Francisco, California.
Segment Transcript
The transcript of this segment is being processed. It will be available within one week after the show airs.
Meet the Producers and Host
About D. Peterschmidt
@dpeterschmidtD. Peterschmidt is a producer, host of the podcast Universe of Art, and composes music for Science Friday’s podcasts. Their D&D character is a clumsy bard named Chip Chap Chopman.
About Rasha Aridi
@RashaAridiRasha Aridi is a producer for Science Friday. She loves stories about weird critters, science adventures, and the intersection of science and history.
About John Dankosky
John Dankosky works with the radio team to create our weekly show, and is helping to build our State of Science Reporting Network. He’s also been a long-time guest host on Science Friday. He and his wife have three cats, thousands of bees, and a yoga studio in the sleepy Northwest hills of Connecticut.