CDC map shows COVID-19 cases rising in 47 U.S. states during summer surge
The CDC reports that infections are classified as growing or likely growing in 47 states, with no states showing a decline as the nation heads into the fall season.
COVID-19 infections are increasing across most of the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest epidemic-trend data released Wednesday. The agency's map indicates that 47 states are experiencing either "growing" or "likely growing" transmission, while only two states are listed as "not changing" and none are showing a decline.
The CDC system does not provide exact case counts but serves as an early indicator of transmission trends. Officials note that, although case numbers are rising, severe outcomes are less common than in earlier phases of the pandemic. > "Today it is uncommon for infection to progress to the severe stages," said Jonathan Pinsky, medical director of infection control and prevention at Endeavor Health.
The map highlights sustained growth in several Southern states, including Texas and South Carolina, as well as Florida, North Carolina, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Alaska and Hawaii. States such as Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia are flagged as "likely growing," while Louisiana and Mississippi are listed as "not changing." Large-city states like California, New York, Pennsylvania and Illinois also show notable upticks.
Health experts attribute the summer increase to waning immunity and more indoor gatherings driven by extreme heat, travel and the return to school. > "We typically see increases in cases during the summer, when you have summer travel and then back-to-school season, and again in the winter," said Suraj Saggar, chief of infectious disease at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey. He added that the current surge is occurring from a low baseline, making it smaller than the peaks seen in 2021-2022.
Schools have largely remained open, though isolated districts have temporarily closed campuses after outbreaks. San Perlita Independent School District in South Texas and Park Ridge Achievement Academy in Louisiana each suspended in-person classes for a short period as a precaution.
Experts encourage the public to stay current with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, especially older adults and those at higher risk. > "Between natural infection and vaccination, it's no longer something the body has never seen before," Saggar said, noting that existing immunity helps keep severe illness and hospitalizations lower than earlier in the pandemic.