COVID-19 Wastewater Data Shows Surge in Over Half of U.S. States

CDC reports significant increases in viral levels, with the Western and Southern regions most affected.

27 states report 'very high' levels of COVID-19 in wastewater, up from 7 states in mid-July.
The Western region has the highest levels, followed by the South, Midwest, and Northeast.
New variants, collectively known as FLiRT, account for 75% of current cases.
Hospitalizations remain low despite the rise in infections.
Updated vaccines targeting new variants are expected to be available this fall.