CDC wastewater data shows modest COVID uptick in several U.S. regions this summer
CDC wastewater monitoring indicates a slight rise in COVID-19 activity in parts of the South and West Coast, though overall case levels remain low nationwide.
COVID-19 activity is modestly increasing in several U.S. states, according to recent CDC wastewater testing. The data show low levels of viral presence in Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Washington, D.C., while Kentucky, Hawaii and California report moderate levels and Alaska shows high levels.
"I was looking at the CDC data ... and it does look like they’re starting to see an uptick in COVID that they’re finding in wastewater testing in several states, primarily in the South and the West Coast," said Dr. Susan Kline, an infectious-diseases professor at the University of Minnesota. She added that wastewater testing offers a convenient way to track community trends without requiring individual lab tests.
Experts noted that summer typically brings a seasonal rise in respiratory infections. "If you look back over the last few years ... the lowest rates across the country are usually late June, early July, and then in August you start to see this increase in rates," said Dr. Neil Maniar of Northeastern University. Dr. George Rutherford of UCSF said overall COVID, flu and RSV cases remain low, but warned that reduced testing and lower vaccination rates could increase susceptibility.
Public-health officials continue to recommend standard precautions such as hand-washing, mask use in crowded settings and staying home when ill. They also emphasized that current at-home tests can detect circulating variants and that eligible high-risk patients should consider antiviral treatment if they test positive.
Vaccination remains the primary preventive measure. The 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine is currently available, while a updated 2026-2027 formulation is expected later in the year. Experts advise most people to wait for the newer vaccine, though high-risk individuals may opt for the existing shot.
The CDC also reported a surge in measles cases and warned that flu season is approaching, underscoring the importance of vaccinations as a frontline defense against multiple respiratory illnesses.