In the bustling cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, a sneaky new COVID-19 variant called XFG, nicknamed "Stratus," is spreading fast.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says this strain now makes up about 71% of cases in Texas, pushing COVID activity to "very high" levels.
Wastewater tests show the virus lurking in sewers across the state, with spikes in big areas like DFW. Positive tests are up, and emergency rooms are seeing more sick people, including kids.
It's like an unwelcome summer storm, hitting when folks are out enjoying barbecues and ball games.
Stratus is part of the Omicron family, a group of viruses that keep changing to slip past our body's defenses. Experts say it's super catchy, spreading easily in crowds.
Symptoms hit like a bad cold: stuffy nose, cough, fever, sore throat, tiredness, and aches. Some folks even call the throat pain "razor blade" sharp, though doctors say it's not new or worse than before.
In Texas, where hot weather drives people indoors, the variant is thriving. The CDC reports that nearly 18% of tests in the region including Texas are positive, way above the national average of 11%.
But here's where things get heated. Just as cases climb, new vaccine rules are stirring up debate. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says shots aren't needed for healthy kids or pregnant women anymore.
The Food and Drug Administration now limits the latest vaccines to folks over 65 or those with health risks like asthma. This breaks from old advice that pushed shots for everyone over 6 months.
Groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics disagree, urging vaccines for young kids to fight severe sickness. In DFW, where hospitals are filling up, some parents wonder if skipping shots for their little ones is wise.
Health pros like Dr. Philip Huang from Dallas County say vaccines still work against Stratus, cutting risks of bad illness. But with rules changing, getting a shot might need a doctor's note for some.
Texas has seen big surges before, and this one could drag into fall. Wastewater data from spots like Austin and Houston match DFW's rise, hinting at a statewide wave.
Critics argue the new limits give people more choice, respecting personal freedom. Others fear it leaves vulnerable groups exposed, especially in crowded places like schools and malls.
This raises a tough question: In a state as big and busy as Texas, should vaccine rules focus more on individual rights, even if it means more people might get sick, or should they push for wider protection to keep everyone safe?
As Stratus surges, Texans are left to decide.
