COVID-19 cases are increasing throughout the United States. Recent modeling from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that infections are either rising or projected to rise in 50 states. As of mid-August, no state is experiencing a decline in cases.
Despite this upward trend, the CDC reports that severe cases remain rare. Visits to emergency departments related to COVID-19 are reported as being very low.
The CDC’s epidemic trend tracking identifies COVID-19 growth in all states, except for Iowa, where no estimate has been provided. The use of wastewater data helps identify where the virus is most active. Testing sewage for COVID-19 can detect infections even in asymptomatic individuals.
Current data suggests that Hawaii and Mississippi are experiencing moderate levels of viral activity, although Mississippi’s wastewater data is limited. The West and South regions show more COVID-19 activity compared to other areas.
States such as Alabama, Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Oregon, Nevada, Texas, and Washington have recorded low COVID-19 levels in their wastewater. Other states are categorized as having very low levels.
Wastewater surveillance provides insights into rising COVID-19 cases, even if these are not identified by hospitals.
Alongside COVID-19, the CDC monitors other respiratory viruses such as influenza and RSV. These are found less frequently in wastewater compared to COVID-19.
An updated vaccine targeting the XFG variant is expected to arrive in fall, aiming to address the prevalent strain.
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