The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported Tuesday that COVID-19 infections are increasing in nearly every state across the U.S. According to agency modeling, viral activity is growing or likely growing in 50 states, while no states are currently experiencing a decline in cases as of mid-August.
The report comes as public health officials monitor seasonal respiratory virus trends. While COVID-19 activity is rising, the CDC noted that emergency department visits related to the virus remain at a "very low" level. The agency also tracks influenza and RSV, both of which are currently appearing less frequently in wastewater samples than COVID-19.
Wastewater data, which can detect the virus in individuals who do not show symptoms, indicates the highest activity is concentrated in the West and South. Hawaii and Mississippi are the only states currently reported with "moderate" levels of viral activity, though the CDC noted that data for Mississippi is limited. Nine other states—Alabama, Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Oregon, Nevada, Texas, and Washington—show "low" levels, while all other states are classified as "very low."
For the general public, this trend indicates that respiratory illness may become more common in workplace and school settings over the coming weeks. The CDC clarified that while transmission is increasing, the impact on the healthcare system remains minimal, meaning individuals are currently less likely to experience severe outcomes requiring emergency room care. People who rely on vaccination for protection will notice a change in availability this fall, when an updated vaccine formula targeting the XFG variant is scheduled for release.
The current data sets a precedent for how the CDC monitors viral shifts through sewage testing rather than relying solely on hospital reporting. This allows for earlier detection of surges before they manifest in clinical settings. Moving forward, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized an updated 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine formula. These new shots are expected to become available to the public starting in the fall, though specific effective dates for administration were not reported.