COVID-19 cases are rising in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that infections are increasing in nearly all states, with no states showing a decline. As of mid-August, severe cases remain uncommon, and COVID-related emergency room visits are notably low.

The CDC uses wastewater data to monitor COVID-19 trends. This method can reveal virus circulation even among healthy-seeming individuals. According to the data, Hawaii and Mississippi have moderate virus levels, despite limited data from Mississippi.

The Western and Southern U.S. show more COVID activity than other areas. States like Alabama, Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Oregon, Nevada, Texas, and Washington have low COVID levels in wastewater. Most other states report very low levels.

Besides COVID-19, the CDC tracks influenza and RSV, which appear less frequently in wastewater samples. A new vaccine targeting the XFG COVID variant is expected in the fall.