In a briefing yesterday the Louisiana Department of Health said cases of COVID are surging again in Louisiana, with what health experts say is likely the beginning of a fifth wave fueled by the fast-spreading omicron variant.
New cases in the state have more than doubled in the past week.
Less than three weeks have passed since omicron was first detected in the United States, but the highly infectious strain now accounts for about three quarters of new cases in the country.
These latest increases in numbers come just four months after the crest of the last major surge caused by the delta strain. That surge pushed cases, hospitalizations and deaths to new heights in the state.
Since that outbreak, Louisiana has enjoyed a few months with low rates of infections. Experts believe the variant is better than previous strains at breaking through prior immunity, whether acquired through a vaccine or past infections.
Health officials have stressed, however, that there is evidence that vaccinations and boosters can lessen symptoms and prevent hospitalizations and deaths.
