The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that COVID-19 infections were rising in all 50 states, extending a summer wave that has strained clinics and prompted renewed public health guidance. The agency's latest modeling, released this week, showed sustained increases in wastewater viral levels and emergency department visits.

The CDC attributed the climb to waning immunity, increased indoor gatherings during extreme heat, and the spread of newer Omicron-descendant variants. Transmission remained highest across the South and West, though every region showed upward trends in test positivity.

Federal data indicated that hospitalizations, while below levels seen in earlier years, had begun ticking up among adults over 65. The CDC advised older adults and immunocompromised people to consider masking in crowded indoor settings and to remain current on recommended vaccinations.

Manufacturers are preparing updated COVID-19 vaccines for the autumn respiratory season, subject to review by the FDA and CDC advisory committees. Public health departments in states including Texas, California, and Florida issued reminders about free testing and antiviral access.

The CDC said it would continue monitoring variant proportions and hospital capacity, with the current wave expected to inform decisions on the timing and formulation of fall vaccine campaigns.