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By Alice Gibbs
Senior Reporter
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COVID-19 infections are trending upward across much of the United States for the first time since spring, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest epidemic modeling.
As of July 22, the CDC estimates COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 37 states, while no states are currently classified as declining or likely declining. Eleven states are estimated to be experiencing stable transmission levels, while several others do not have enough data to generate an estimate.
CDC Data Shows COVID Growth Across Most States
The CDC's Current Epidemic Trends model uses the effective reproduction number, known as Rt, to estimate whether infections are growing, shrinking or remaining stable.
In total, 37 states show growing or likely growing infections, while 11 show transmission is not changing. There are currently no states where infections are declining or likely declining, though some did have insufficient data for an estimate.
The national estimate is now above the threshold that indicates growth, marking the first nationwide upward trend since spring 2026.
Which States Are Seeing The Strongest COVID Growth?
Large parts of the South are currently classified as "Growing," including Texas, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Several populous states, including California, New York, Illinois and Michigan, are also categorized as growing.
Meanwhile, states including Arizona, New Mexico, Montana, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and New Jersey are currently estimated to be experiencing relatively stable transmission levels.
The CDC notes that these estimates are based on surveillance models and should not be interpreted as direct case counts. Instead, they are designed to identify whether transmission is likely increasing or decreasing in a given area.
What Are Symptoms of the Latest COVID Variant Nimbus?
The NB.1.8.1 variant, sometimes referred to as "Nimbus," has become one of the most widely circulating COVID-19 strains in the U.S. this summer. Health officials say its symptoms are broadly similar to those seen with other recent Omicron-descended variants.
Common symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Runny or congested nose
- Cough
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Fever or chills
- Muscle and body aches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Shortness of breath (in some cases)
Loss of taste or smell remains possible, but is reported less frequently than during earlier waves of COVID.
What Anthony Fauci Said at Senate Hearing
The CDC's latest estimates on COVID-19 transmission come as former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci appeared before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Wednesday morning. The hearing began at 8:30 a.m. ET and was streamed live on C‑SPAN and Senate committee channels.
Fauci's appearance came days after committee chairman Sen. Rand Paul released more than 1,000 pages from Fauci's private journals, which documented the former health official's views during key moments of the pandemic, including discussions about COVID-19's origins, White House deliberations and the federal response.
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During the hearing, Fauci repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination when questioned by lawmakers, including on issues related to the pandemic response and the records contained in the diaries.
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According to reports from the hearing, Paul used portions of the journals as part of his questioning as Republicans revisited longstanding disputes over the government's handling of COVID-19 and debates surrounding the virus' origins.
Among the topics raised by Paul were Fauci's communications during the pandemic, decisions made by public health officials and entries contained within the journals that have become a focal point of congressional scrutiny. The hearing marked the latest chapter in a years-long clash between Paul and Fauci over the federal response to COVID-19.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Matthew Cannon and Emma Lee-Sang
Update 07/30/26 07:51 a.m. ET: This story was updated with additional information.
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