COVID Wastewater Levels Climb Across US
Hercules Fighting the River-God Achelous, from "The Labors of Hercules" — Heinrich Aldegrever, 1550
What Happened
CDC data show COVID-19 wastewater activity rising sharply since July, with national levels up 55% in September compared to August. Infections are growing in 27 states and declining in 13. The South and West are seeing the highest activity, with those regions surpassing last winter's peak.
Why It Matters
A wave like this shows up in sewage weeks before it shows up in a doctor's office. That gap is the whole point of wastewater surveillance — it's an early warning system nobody has to opt into. COVID still hasn't settled into flu's predictable calendar. It just shows up when it shows up.
What's Next
Officials continue urging vaccination ahead of winter, when COVID and flu typically circulate at the same time.