Respiratory Risk Report
Week ending in August 1, 2026
Biobot’s national wastewater network continues to show SARS-CoV-2 increasing across all four U.S. regions, with the biggest increases seen in the West. The summer Covid-19 wave continues to grow.
The rest of the respiratory virus picture is quiet. RSV, influenza A, influenza B, and HMPV are all circulating at very low levels, with activity either stable or declining.
Bottom line
It’s a good time to be a little more aware, especially if you’re traveling, heading to a crowded indoor event, or spending time with someone at higher risk of severe illness, including older adults, babies, pregnant people, and people who are immunocompromised.
Thankfully, flu, RSV, and HMPV activity remains low.
National Outlook
COVID-19
Nationally, SARS-CoV-2 is increasing.
Influenza
Nationally, influenza A and B are holding steady at very low levels.
RSV
Nationally, RSV is holding steady at very low levels.
HMPV
Nationally, HMPV is decreasing.
Regional Outlook
The South
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 is increasing in the South.
Influenza: Influenza A and B are holding steady at very low levels in the South.
RSV: RSV is holding steady at very low levels in the South.
HMPV: HMPV is decreasing in the South.
The Midwest
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 is increasing in the Midwest.
Influenza: Influenza A and B are holding steady at very low levels in the Midwest.
RSV: RSV is holding steady at very low levels in the Midwest.
HMPV: HMPV is decreasing in the Midwest.
The Northeast
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 is increasing in the Northeast.
Influenza: Influenza A and B are holding steady at very low levels in the Northeast.
RSV: RSV is holding steady at very low levels in the Northeast.
HMPV: HMPV is decreasing in the Northeast.
The West
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 is increasing in the West.
Influenza: Influenza A and B are holding steady at very low levels in the West.
RSV: RSV is holding steady at very low levels in the West.
HMPV: HMPV is decreasing in the West.
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Wastewater data from Biobot Analytics for RSV, influenza, HMPV, and SARS-CoV-2 are through August 1, 2026 (MMWR week 30).
Is it possible to include the specific demarcations of each area? For example, is Colorado part of the West? Also, is it possible to include slightly more localized areas; where within the large areas that are the West or Midwest is incidence increasing? Predominantly urban areas, and which ones? Thank you for the work you do!