COVID-19 test positivity has ticked up nationally, reaching its highest level since February, according to CDC surveillance data tracking respiratory virus activity.
A June 2026 CDC outlook had anticipated more summer transmission in Southern and Western states that saw comparatively little COVID-19 activity over the 2025-2026 winter, reasoning those regions would have lower recent immunity from infection heading into the summer — a pattern now playing out in the latest data.
Here are six things to know:
- COVID-19 test positivity reached 4.8% as of Aug. 15, the highest rate since 4.5% on Feb. 14.
- COVID-19 cases are climbing in at least 40 states as summer winds down.
- CDC’s wastewater surveillance data classifies national COVID-19 activity as “very low,” while WastewaterSCAN, a Stanford University-run infectious disease monitoring program using different methodology, rates activity as “high” nationwide.
- The West and South are showing the highest wastewater concentrations and the sharpest case increases so far this season.
- CDC’s ARI (acute respiratory illness) tracker, which measures emergency department visits tied to COVID-19, flu and RSV, remains a key early indicator alongside test positivity and wastewater data for spotting rising transmission.
- Flu and RSV activity remain low nationally, meaning the traditional fall respiratory illness season has not yet begun even as COVID-19 cases rise.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
