COVID-19 Infections Rising Across U.S., Says CDC

CDC Reports Nationwide Growth in COVID-19 Infections

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 infections are estimated to be increasing across most of the United States. As of August 12, the agency reports growth in 50 states and the District of Columbia, with Iowa being the only exception due to insufficient data.

This update marks a significant shift from the situation three weeks earlier. On July 22, the CDC estimated growth in 37 states, while 11 were experiencing little change. However, those stable areas have now disappeared.

The Summer COVID Wave

The CDC’s Current Epidemic Trends model assesses whether infections are increasing or decreasing. Recent data suggest the summer COVID wave, initially affecting the South and West in July, is now a national trend.

Forty-seven states are categorized as “Growing”, while New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia are “Likely Growing”. No state is reported as “Not Changing” or “Declining”. Notable states such as California, Texas, and Florida are all showing growth.

The CDC estimates a greater than 99% probability of increasing infections in many states. Though the model doesn’t measure the exact number of infections, it highlights transmission trends before they become evident in other data.

Expert Opinions on Current COVID-19 Risk

Andrew Pekosz, a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, noted a pattern similar to past years, with late summer to early fall surges expected. He pointed out that current increases are steady rather than dramatic, and now considered part of the “seasonal” phase of COVID-19. There are no concerning virus variants in the U.S. at the moment.

Pekosz recommends the public consider booster shots and check local pharmacies for COVID-19 antivirals, along with influenza and RSV vaccines.

Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert at the University of California, San Francisco, described the situation as a “broad national wave” of infection, noting that the population is largely immunologically experienced, reducing the risk of severe cases.

Chin-Hong emphasized the need to protect vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant, and immunocompromised.

From Regional to National COVID-19 Trend

These CDC estimates coincide with ongoing evaluations of federal pandemic response. Recent Senate hearings have addressed decisions made during the COVID-19 era, with scrutiny on the government’s approach and virus origins.

The current CDC trends indicate a change from the patchwork pattern seen earlier in the summer. Three weeks ago, several states were classified as stable; now, none remain so. While estimates hinge on modeling rather than direct case counts, the rise in COVID-19 cases seems evident nationwide.