Total number of U.S. coronavirus (COVID-19) cases as of February 1, 2021, by state

As of February 1, 2021, the state with the highest number of COVID-19 cases was California. Almost 26.2 million cases have been reported across the United States, with the states of California, Texas, Florida, and New York reporting the highest numbers.

From an epidemic to a pandemic

The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The term pandemic refers to multiple outbreaks of an infectious illness threatening multiple parts of the world at the same time. When the transmission is this widespread, it can no longer be traced back to the country where it originated. Countries gradually relaxed lockdown restrictions but have now enacted them again as the number of cases worldwide continues to increase.

The symptoms and those who are most at risk

Most people who contract the virus will suffer only mild symptoms, such as a cough, a cold, or a high temperature. However, in more severe cases, the infection can cause breathing difficulties and even pneumonia. We are still learning about how COVID-19 affects people, but those at higher risk include older persons and people with pre-existing medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease. There is currently no specific treatment available; finding an effective medication to prevent infection is a public health priority.