Experts Say COVID Cases Are Rising Again In These Parts Of The U.S.

Key Points:

• COVID-19 cases are rising in some U.S. states this summer, particularly in the South and West Coast, with Kentucky, Hawaii, California, and Alaska reporting moderate to high levels, according to CDC wastewater data.
• Overall COVID and other respiratory virus cases remain low nationwide, but seasonal increases in late summer and winter are typical, with last year's peak occurring in late August to mid-September.
• Reduced vaccination rates and increased summer travel contribute to higher susceptibility and transmission risks; only 17.5% of adults and 8.9% of children have received the 2025-2026 COVID vaccine so far.
• Experts recommend preventive measures such as hand-washing, masking in crowded or enclosed spaces, staying home when sick, and testing if symptomatic; high-risk individuals testing positive may benefit from early antiviral treatment like Paxlovid.
• The updated 2026-2027 COVID vaccine is expected in the fall and is preferred over the current 2025-2026 version, though some high-risk individuals or those with upcoming travel may consider getting vaccinated sooner after consulting a healthcare provider.