COVID-19 activity is edging up nationwide, with wastewater detections rising from low to moderate last week. Levels are highest in the West, followed by the South, where Louisiana has reached a very high level. Model-based epidemic assessments and wastewater trends indicate infections are growing or likely growing in most states.
Other indicators are climbing as well. Test positivity increased from 6.5% to 8.6% week over week, with higher rates in the West and Southwest than elsewhere. Emergency department visits for COVID are up across all age groups, rising 19% overall compared with the previous week, and many states are reporting moderate to substantial increases. In contrast, deaths dipped slightly in the most recent reporting week.
Respiratory viruses beyond COVID remain quiet. Influenza indicators are very low, though one additional pediatric flu death was reported for the week ending April 19, bringing this season’s total to 267—the highest for any nonpandemic year since pediatric flu deaths became nationally reportable in 2004. Among children with known vaccination status who died from flu, 90% were not fully vaccinated, compared with 82% in the prior season. Tracking for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains at a very low level.
What this means
– Wastewater is an early signal of community transmission. Increases there often precede rises in test positivity and emergency visits, which is consistent with this week’s data.
– The slight decline in deaths alongside rising infections suggests severe outcomes remain comparatively lower than during past waves, a pattern that can reflect accrued immunity and improved care.
– Regional differences are common; localized surges can occur even when national levels are moderate.
A hopeful note
– Flu and RSV activity remain very low, easing pressure on hospitals even as COVID indicators tick upward.
– Despite growth signals, national COVID wastewater levels are still in the moderate range, providing time for communities and healthcare systems to respond.
Key points
– COVID wastewater detections: up from low to moderate; highest in the West; Louisiana very high.
– Infections: growing or likely growing in most states.
– Test positivity: up to 8.6% from 6.5%, with higher rates in the West/Southwest.
– ED visits: up 19% week over week across all ages.
– Deaths: down slightly in the latest reporting week.
– Flu: very low activity, but season’s pediatric deaths now 267 (highest for a nonpandemic year since 2004); 90% of those with known status were not fully vaccinated.
– RSV: very low.