Originally published by our sister publication Infectious Disease Special Edition

By Ethan Covey

Cases of COVID-19 are increasing in most states, according to the CDC.

As of July 29, 2025, the CDC estimated that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 40 states, declining or likely declining in none of the states, and not changing in nine states. However, while the epidemic trend of COVID-19 is growing, the weekly percentage of emergency department visits by individuals diagnosed with the disease remains low.

“Emergency department visits for COVID-19 are very low but increasing,” Gabe Alvarado, a CDC public affairs specialist in the Office of Communications, told Infectious Disease Special Edition. “Model-based epidemic trends (Rt) indicate that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in many Southeast, Southern and West Coast states.”

Mr. Alvarado said that to date, the early data trends are consistent with what would be expected for a summer wave based on what has been experienced previously in the United States around this time.

“Based on increased COVID-19 activity we have experienced around this time in past years, we expect COVID-19 activity to increase again in the coming weeks,” he said. “There are signs in some parts of the country that a summer wave could be starting. However, it is too early to know whether activity is more than expected compared to the summer wave we experienced in 2024.”

The CDC COVID Data Tracker, which is updated twice weekly, currently estimates that for the week ending July 26, 2025, test positivity was 6.5%, a slight increase from the previous week’s rate of 4.9%.

“Healthcare professionals can continue to stay informed on COVID-19 activity in their area and talk with their patients on ways to protect themselves,” Mr. Alvarado said.

Mr. Alvarado reported no relevant financial disclosures.