More than half of US states are reporting signs that COVID levels are poised to continue their summerlong rise. [Medscape & CDC]

The latest CDC wastewater monitoring data shows that 27 US states are detecting "very high" levels of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID. The label "very high" indicates the highest viral activity level used by the agency. There are four lower levels that can be reported: minimal, low, moderate, and high. Nationwide, the lowest level being reported is moderate, and there are no states reporting low or minimal levels. 

"If you see increased Wastewater Viral Activity Levels of SARS-CoV-2, it might indicate that there is a higher risk of infection," the CDC warns.

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There are other signs that the summer COVID wave is nowhere near ending its now 13-week consecutive climb. The rate of positive COVID tests reported to the CDC is now more than 17%, up from 0.3% in early May. The rate of positive COVID tests is at its highest level since about 2 years ago. The region of the US that includes Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Arkansas had the highest combined regional positive rate of 24% for the week ending August 3.

An updated COVID vaccine that is recommend for all people ages 6 months and older will be available later this fall.

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