The U.S. is experiencing another late-summer COVID-19 spike, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The surge is most significant in a region that includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, where about 15% of reported COVID tests are coming back positive. However, the rise isn’t limited to the South — a dozen other states west of the Mississippi also reported positivity rates around 10% last week.
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Health experts warn the actual number of infections is likely underreported since many people now rely on at-home tests instead of laboratory testing.
Wastewater Data Reveals Hotspots
Since many cases go unreported, the CDC also tracks COVID spread through sewage and wastewater monitoring, which can detect outbreaks earlier than clinical testing — even among people without symptoms.
Current wastewater data shows “very high” COVID activity levels in five states:
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Alaska
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Hawaii
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Nevada
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Texas
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Utah
Still, gaps remain in reporting because some states lack sufficient testing sites that share data with the CDC.
Why Summer Surges Keep Happening
According to epidemiologists, the summer spike follows a pattern seen every year since the pandemic began. Key factors include:
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Indoor gatherings: More people spend time in air-conditioned, poorly ventilated spaces during summer.
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Increased travel: Crowded airports, hotels, and events expose more people to the virus.
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Fading immunity: Protection from the previous fall’s booster shots may be wearing off by late summer.
Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, a senior epidemiologist at Washington University in St. Louis, told The New York Times that waning immunity plays a significant role in these seasonal waves.
Vaccine Access Could Be Limited
This week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax vaccines for seniors but restricted access for younger adults and children without high-risk conditions.
It remains unclear how easy it will be to get the new shots — or whether insurance will cover them — this fall and winter. A CDC advisory panel is expected to meet in September to provide further guidance.
