Expect to hear more coughing soon, as COVID-19 is climbing across the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that infections are increasing or likely to increase in all 50 states. Currently, no state is experiencing a decline in cases.
The CDC indicates that despite rising case numbers, severe cases remain rare. COVID-related emergency department visits are reported to be very low. The CDC’s trend tracking reports that infections are either growing or likely growing nationwide. Iowa’s data remains unreported at this time.
“Wastewater testing can detect COVID-19 signs even in individuals without symptoms,” says the CDC.
Wastewater data offers insights into areas with potential virus circulation. It identifies infection signs, possibly even among symptom-free individuals. Hawaii and Mississippi show moderate COVID-19 levels, though Mississippi’s data is limited. Higher COVID-19 levels are mostly seen in the West and South. States such as Alabama, Alaska, California, and others report low levels, whereas the remaining states report very low levels.
Besides COVID-19, the CDC also monitors influenza and RSV in wastewater. Both are detected less frequently than COVID-19. An updated vaccine aimed at the widespread XFG variant should be available in the fall.
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