COVID-19 Infections Rise Across All 50 U.S. States, CDC Data Shows

COVID-19 infections are increasing or likely increasing across all 50 U.S. states, according to the CDC. Here is what current infection, wastewater, hospitalization, and variant data show.

COVID-19 activity is showing signs of a renewed increase across the United States, with infections now classified as growing or likely growing in all 50 states, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The nationwide increase marks a change from late July, when the CDC identified rising or potentially rising infections in 37 states. The agency's latest assessment, based on data available through Aug. 12, indicates that COVID-19 transmission is moving upward across the country, although the level of activity remains relatively low in many communities.

COVID-19 Infections Increasing Nationwide

The CDC uses several indicators to estimate whether COVID-19 infections are increasing or declining. These include emergency department information and other health surveillance data.

The agency's latest assessment found that infections were either increasing or probably increasing in every state. Three weeks earlier, the picture was considerably less widespread, with 37 states showing increases and 11 states reporting relatively unchanged activity.

Despite the broad geographic increase, the CDC's respiratory illness indicators suggest that COVID-19 is not currently placing the same level of pressure on the health care system seen during some previous waves.

The increase is particularly noticeable in parts of the South and West, while COVID-19 activity remains low in numerous other areas.

As of Aug. 14, the overall number of people seeking emergency medical care for respiratory illnesses was described by the CDC as very low.

Wastewater Data Shows a Different Picture

Wastewater surveillance offers another way to monitor COVID-19 circulation because fragments of the virus can be detected in community wastewater.

Interestingly, national wastewater activity was still classified as very low for the week ending Aug. 8, according to the CDC. Most states were categorized as having very low or low wastewater levels, although increases were observed in some regions.

The difference between infection estimates and wastewater measurements highlights why health officials rely on multiple indicators rather than a single statistic.

COVID-19 activity can vary considerably between communities, and trends in infections do not necessarily translate immediately into hospitalizations or severe disease.

Hospitalizations and Emergency Department Visits Expected to Increase

Other CDC indicators point toward a modest rise in COVID-19-related illness.

CDC forecasting estimated that COVID-19 could account for approximately 0.43 percent of emergency department visits during the week ending Aug. 22. That compares with about 0.31 percent during the week ending Aug. 8.

Hospital admissions are also projected to increase. The latest forecast put expected new COVID-19 hospital admissions at roughly 2,400, compared with approximately 1,800 reported during the preceding week.

Although these numbers represent an increase, they remain substantially different from the levels seen during major COVID-19 waves earlier in the pandemic.

For the public, the current data suggest that COVID-19 is circulating again, but the overall national burden remains relatively modest.

New COVID Variants Continue to Circulate

The global COVID-19 landscape is also being shaped by several SARS-CoV-2 variants.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring variants including XFG and BA.3.2.

XFG, sometimes referred to by the nickname "Stratus," is an Omicron descendant that was first documented in a sample collected in January 2025. It subsequently became one of the most widely reported variants globally before its proportion began to decline.

XFG spread extensively in Southeast Asia and became dominant in India during the spring of 2025.

Another variant, BA.3.2, has been nicknamed "Cicada." It was first identified in a respiratory sample collected in South Africa in November 2024.

The variant was subsequently detected in several countries. In the United States, the first known detection involved a traveler arriving from the Netherlands in June 2025, while the first U.S. clinical case was identified in January 2026.

The continued appearance of new variants is one reason health authorities maintain genomic and disease surveillance programs.

Who Faces the Greatest Risk?

Although COVID-19 can affect people of any age, some groups remain more vulnerable to serious illness.

According to the CDC, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and individuals with certain underlying health conditions have a greater risk of developing severe COVID-19.

For people at higher risk who develop symptoms, timely medical advice can be important. The CDC recommends that eligible high-risk patients begin antiviral treatment within the recommended treatment window, generally within five to seven days of symptom onset depending on the medication.

Anyone experiencing symptoms or concerned about their personal risk should consult a qualified health professional rather than relying solely on general online information.

COVID-19 Cases Around the World

The latest available WHO figures also show continued COVID-19 transmission internationally.

Countries reported 6,849 COVID-19 cases to the WHO during the week ending Aug. 2, which represented a decline of 3,880 reported cases compared with the previous week.

Thailand accounted for the largest share of newly reported cases, with approximately 5,800. Brazil followed with 316 cases, while Greece reported 169, Colombia reported 156, and Mexico reported 98.

The WHO dashboard has recorded nearly 779.3 million reported COVID-19 cases worldwide since the disease emerged.

However, reported case totals should be interpreted carefully. Testing practices, reporting systems, surveillance coverage, and the availability of health data differ significantly between countries. Consequently, reported cases do not necessarily represent every infection occurring worldwide.

What the Latest Data Mean

The latest U.S. figures provide a mixed picture.

On one hand, COVID-19 infections appear to be increasing geographically, with all 50 states now classified as experiencing growing or likely growing infections. Forecasts also point toward increases in emergency department visits and hospital admissions.

On the other hand, national wastewater activity remains very low, respiratory illness-related medical visits are also low, and the overall increase appears modest compared with earlier pandemic surges.

The situation can also change quickly. COVID-19 activity varies by region, and emerging variants can alter transmission patterns over time.

For now, the data indicate that COVID-19 remains an active respiratory virus in the United States, even as its impact is considerably different from the earliest years of the pandemic.

Final Takeaway

COVID-19 infections are showing an upward trend across the United States, according to the CDC's latest assessment. The increase now encompasses all 50 states, with particularly noticeable activity in parts of the South and West.

At the same time, national wastewater levels and broader respiratory illness indicators remain relatively low. Hospitalizations and emergency department visits are expected to rise modestly, while new variants such as XFG and BA.3.2 continue to be monitored internationally.

People at higher risk of severe disease should remain aware of current COVID-19 activity and discuss prevention and treatment options with their health care providers.

Source: World Health Organization (WHO), and the original NTD report published Aug. 20, 2026.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any illness. COVID-19 guidance and disease activity can change as new evidence becomes available. Readers should consult a qualified health professional or appropriate public health authority for advice specific to their circumstances.