Public‑health officials have long observed a seasonal uptick in COVID‑19 cases during late summer, and this year was no exception. The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District reported a noticeable rise in infections beginning in late August, coinciding with the start of the new school year.
Dashboard not updated
Despite the increase, the district’s publicly available respiratory‑illness dashboard— which tracks trends for influenza, RSV and COVID‑19—remains unchanged. The last update was posted in May, leaving a four‑month gap in the online data.
Metro Health explained that the dashboard is not refreshed between June and September because, historically, respiratory illnesses dip during those months. “We can’t think about respiratory illnesses as a winter thing,” said Dr. Jason Bowling, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Ongoing communication with providers
Although the online tool is static, Metro Health continues to share real‑time information with local physicians, hospitals and other health‑care partners. The district’s epidemiology team monitors case reports and alerts providers to emerging trends, ensuring that frontline workers have the data they need to protect patients and staff.
“Our responsibility to the community doesn’t stop because the dashboard isn’t being refreshed,” a Metro Health spokesperson added. “We remain in constant contact with medical professionals to address any public‑health threats as they arise.”
Why the summer surge matters
The late‑summer increase aligns with national patterns that show higher transmission when schools reopen and families gather for vacations. Health experts warn that even modest rises can strain hospital capacity, especially in a region that has already faced pandemic‑related challenges.
Local parents and school administrators have expressed concern that the lack of up‑to‑date public data may hinder community awareness and preparedness. “We rely on the dashboard for quick snapshots of risk levels,” said a parent of a middle‑school student. “When it’s outdated, it’s harder to make informed decisions about masking and extracurricular activities.”
Looking ahead
Metro Health has indicated that the dashboard will be updated again in October, when the agency traditionally resumes posting data. In the meantime, the district urges residents to follow standard public‑health guidelines: get vaccinated, wear masks in crowded indoor settings, and stay home if feeling ill.
For the latest information on COVID‑19 trends in San Antonio, residents can contact the Metro Health hotline or visit the district’s official website, where supplemental reports and alerts are posted regularly.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
