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COVID 19 cases are rising again across much of the United States, with infections growing or likely growing in 47 states as of Aug. 19, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although national activity remains low, health experts say transmission is increasing quickly in parts of the South and West.
The late-summer increase comes as millions of children prepare to return to school and many Americans continue traveling. Experts say the timing is not surprising because SARS-CoV-2 has developed a seasonal pattern, with waves often appearing during the summer and winter.
COVID 19 Cases Climb as Late-Summer Wave Takes Shape
“We’ve had two waves every year. One in the middle to late summer, and the other during the winter,” Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told TODAY.com.
Wastewater data, which can provide an early signal of respiratory virus activity, show a notable increase. The latest WastewaterSCAN findings indicated that SARS-CoV-2 concentrations were up 106% in August compared with July. The West and South currently have the highest reported levels, with California and Texas among the states seeing sharp upticks.
At least 15 states and territories were experiencing active COVID outbreaks, according to an Aug. 17 report from the Pandemic Mitigation Collaborative. Still, experts emphasized that the current wave appears less severe than last summer’s surge, which was driven in part by the Stratus variant.
During the week ending Aug. 13, nearly 5% of COVID tests were positive, compared with more than 9% during the same period last year, based on CDC data. Michael Hoerger, Ph.D., of Tulane University School of Medicine, said transmission could peak about a week into September, though regional patterns may differ.
Key Variants and Symptoms to Watch
The latest increase is being driven by a mixture of Omicron-related variants rather than one entirely new strain. XFG.1.1 accounted for an estimated 22% to 40% of U.S. cases last month, according to the CDC. Another variant, BA.3.2, known as Cicada, represented about 15% of cases but has not spread as widely nationwide.
Dr. Albert Ko, a professor at Yale School of Public Health, said the dominant variants remain within the broader Omicron family. That may help explain why the current wave has not produced the same dramatic peak seen in previous years. However, he cautioned that familiar variants can still cause serious illness, particularly among vulnerable people.
Common COVID symptoms in 2026 continue to resemble those caused by earlier Omicron strains. They may appear two to 14 days after exposure and include:
- Cough and sore throat
- Congestion and fatigue
- Fever and chills
- Headache and shortness of breath
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Because COVID symptoms overlap with those of flu and other respiratory infections, testing remains important. If an at-home rapid antigen test is negative but symptoms continue or exposure was recent, the CDC recommends taking another test 48 hours later.
Powerful Protection: Isolation, Treatment and Vaccines
Most people recover from COVID at home, but adults over 65, infants, pregnant people, those with weakened immune systems and individuals with underlying health conditions face a higher risk of hospitalization or severe disease.
People who become ill should stay home and avoid contact with those who are not sick until symptoms improve and they have been fever-free without medication for at least 24 hours. During recovery, experts recommend improving ventilation, keeping distance from high-risk household members and wearing a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask around others.
Antiviral medications can reduce the severity and duration of illness when taken early. People at increased risk should contact a healthcare provider promptly after symptoms begin or after receiving a positive test to discuss whether treatment is appropriate.
The updated 2026–2027 COVID vaccines are not yet available, but experts expect them to arrive sometime in September. The Food and Drug Administration previously recommended updating the vaccine formulation to target the XFG variant and other strains anticipated to circulate during fall and winter.
Current CDC guidance uses a shared clinical decision-making approach for people ages 6 months and older. This means individuals should discuss vaccination with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Medical experts continue to emphasize vaccination for high-risk groups and pregnant women because it helps protect against severe illness, hospitalization and death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are COVID 19 cases rising in the United States?
Yes. As of Aug. 19, the CDC reported that cases were growing or likely growing in 47 states, although overall national activity was still considered low.
What are the most common COVID symptoms?
Common symptoms include cough, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, fever, chills, headache, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
When should I retest after a negative rapid test?
If symptoms or concerns continue after a negative at-home antigen test, the CDC recommends repeating the test after 48 hours.
When will the updated COVID vaccine be available?
The 2026–2027 vaccines were not yet available at the time of the report. Experts expected them to be released in September, pending the approval and distribution process.
