Respiratory Risk Report
Week ending in July 18, 2026
Biobot’s national wastewater network continues to show SARS-CoV-2 rising across the country—it’s elevated in all four regions. We are in the early stages of a summer wave.
Everything else remains quiet: RSV, influenza A, influenza B, and HMPV are all at very low levels, with activity holding steady or declining.
Bottom Line
The summer Covid-19 wave is getting underway, with transmission increasing across much of the country. Now is a good time to keep a closer eye on local trends, especially if you’re traveling, attending a large indoor event, or spending time with older adults, babies, pregnant people, or someone who is immunocompromised.
The reassuring news: RSV, flu, and HMPV remain 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 fluctuating 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 July 18, 2026 (MMWR week 28).