CDC Warns of Rising COVID-19 Cases in Select States

Despite overall low national levels, new CDC data indicates that COVID-19 infections are climbing in multiple regions across the United States. Despite overall low national levels, new CDC data indicates that COVID-19 infections are climbing in multiple regions across the United States. In an update issued July 18, the CDC stated, “COVID-19 activity is increasing in many Southeast, Southern, and West Coast states.” The current national COVID-19 level is still categorized as “low,” the second-lowest tier on the agency’s scale.

CDC officials said wastewater monitoring shows rising virus levels nationwide. High concentrations were observed in states such as California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Nevada, South Carolina, and Texas. The agency added that emergency department visits for children aged 0–4 have begun to increase, although no states are currently classified as experiencing “very high” COVID-19 levels.

Other respiratory illnesses remain relatively subdued. Seasonal flu activity is low, while RSV activity is considered very low. Nationwide, overall respiratory illness activity remains very low, based on emergency department diagnoses of related symptoms.

The CDC also noted a regional rise in Mycoplasma pneumoniae, commonly known as “walking pneumonia.” This bacterial infection can cause upper respiratory symptoms and, in some cases, lead to full-blown pneumonia. The agency noted a regional uptick in cases across parts of the country over the past few weeks.

Meanwhile, pertussis (whooping cough) activity remains elevated in 2025 compared to pre-pandemic years, though rates are lower than the peak observed in November 2024. Pertussis poses the greatest risk to children under one year old, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms include prolonged coughing fits, vomiting, and a high-pitched “whoop” sound during inhalation.

The CDC has not provided an updated estimate of COVID-19 variants since mid-June. In its most recent update, it flagged the NB.1.8.1 and XFG strains as “variants under monitoring,” classifications assigned by the World Health Organization (WHO) in May and June, respectively.

“The available evidence on NB.1.8.1 does not suggest additional public health risks relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendant lineages,” the WHO stated. A similar comment was issued about the XFG variant.

Reports have suggested that NB.1.8.1 may be linked to a recent rise in cases across mainland China. However, concerns over data reliability persist, as the Chinese Communist Party has a documented history of withholding accurate public health information. Observations from local doctors and health workers are thus considered essential for understanding real-time conditions in the region.

The July 18 CDC report follows recent research from the agency that found COVID-19 tends to peak twice annually: once in the late summer (July to September) and again in winter (December to February).

“Our analysis revealed biannual COVID-19 peaks in late summer and winter, a pattern that is expected to persist as long as new variants of SARS-CoV-2 continue to emerge and mutate seasonally,” CDC researchers wrote in a report released earlier this month.