Key Takeaway:
- Covid-19 activity is rising in parts of the U.S., especially the West, though overall transmission remains low.
- Measles cases have reached 2,278 in 2026 and are on pace to hit the highest annual total in 33 years, largely affecting unvaccinated people.
- COVID-19Cyclospora infections have surpassed 11,000 cases across 46 states, with investigators continuing to link the outbreak to contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce.
Covid-19 activity is beginning to increase across parts of the United States, measles cases are nearing a 33-year high, and a multistate Cyclospora outbreak has surpassed 11,000 cases, prompting renewed public health warnings.
COVID-19 indicators remain low nationwide but are trending upward, particularly in the western United States, according to public health surveillance. Health officials also continue to monitor growing measles outbreaks and an unprecedented Cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated produce, alongside how measles spreads in unvaccinated people, which remains a growing concern this year.
Covid-19 activity rises as summer wave begins
Public health data show Covid-19 transmission is increasing in several regions, with the strongest signals coming from the West. Emergency department visits, wastewater surveillance and test positivity rates are all climbing, while the South and Midwest are showing smaller increases.
Experts say it remains unclear how large the current wave will become. Previous seasonal surges have gradually become smaller, but immunity from prior vaccination or infection may have declined since the last major wave.
Health authorities continue to recommend that adults age 65 and older stay current with Covid-19 vaccinations, particularly those who did not receive the recommended spring dose.
Measles cases approach highest level in decades
The United States has reported 2,278 measles cases as of July 19, placing 2026 on pace to record the highest annual total in more than three decades if current trends continue.
Pennsylvania is experiencing the country’s fastest-growing outbreak with 111 confirmed cases since April. Utah continues to report ongoing transmission nearly a year after its outbreak began, while Arizona and Wyoming are also reporting new clusters.
According to public health data, about 96% of reported measles cases involve unvaccinated people. Health officials continue to stress that routine measles vaccination provides strong protection against severe illness and outbreaks.
Parents of infants younger than 12 months who live in or travel to outbreak areas are encouraged to consult their health care providers about early vaccination options where appropriate.
Cyclospora outbreak grows as investigation continues
The United States has now reported more than 11,000 Cyclospora infections across 46 states, nearly three times the number typically seen in a full year.
Michigan has reported more than 6,100 cases in the Cyclospora outbreak, including 102 hospitalizations, while Ohio has exceeded 2,000 cases. Public health investigators are also tracking outbreaks linked to travel and locally distributed produce in several other states.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues investigating contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce as a likely source of the Cyclospora outbreak. Although an earlier laboratory finding involving lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms was later determined to be a false positive, investigators say traceback evidence still strongly links products supplied through Taylor Farms de Mexico to the outbreak.
“The false positive does not change the broader epidemiological evidence,” the FDA has said, emphasizing that investigators rely on patient interviews, distribution records and supply chain tracing rather than a single laboratory result.
Taylor Farms has said it supplies less than 1% of the iceberg lettuce sold in the United States and has disputed conclusions drawn from the laboratory finding while cooperating with the investigation.
Federal health officials continue to advise consumers in the 27 states included in the recall to avoid recalled shredded iceberg lettuce tied to the Cyclospora outbreak until investigations determine the full scope of contamination. Officials also recommend that older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems exercise additional caution with fresh produce while the investigation continues.
Public health agencies say the Cyclospora outbreak investigation remains complex because symptoms often appear up to two weeks after exposure, making it difficult for patients to recall what they ate and for investigators to identify contaminated food sources. For the latest official case counts and guidance, see CDC’s ongoing Cyclospora outbreak investigation.
