As of early October, how many nationwide cases of COVID-19 were reported in the U.S.?

The choice indicating 7.6 million cases of COVID-19 reported in the U.S. as of early October reflects accurate data that aligns with the reported statistics at that time. This figure considered cumulative total counts from various states and public health reports, capturing trends in infection rates since the pandemic began. Given that we are discussing a significant public health event, such data were meticulously documented and frequently updated by health organizations, which provided a basis for understanding the progression of the pandemic and informing health policies.

Other figures either understate or overstate the total case counts as of that time. The numbers selected by others do not reflect the comprehensive reporting that was established in early October, which highlighted the serious ongoing public health issues posed by COVID-19. Thus, 7.6 million is the figure that accurately portrayed the situation at that moment based on available data.