COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV Wastewater Monitoring in the U.S. | Week of January 31, 2026

Summary: Week of 1/31/26

Respiratory virus trends are sending mixed signals this week, according to Biobot’s national wastewater data. COVID-19 levels are rising across the country. Influenza A is decreasing, while Influenza B is picking up. RSV appears to be leveling off. Regionally, COVID-19 activity is climbing highest in the Midwest and South, but changes in other viruses vary by location.

The Bottom Line: The respiratory viruses season is still going. Keep an eye on your local trends—and continue layering protections, especially if you’re at higher risk.

National Outlook

COVID-19

Nationally, SARS-CoV-2 is increasing.

Influenza

Nationally, influenza A is decreasing while influenza B is increasing.

RSV

Nationally, RSV is holding steady.

Regional Outlook

The South

COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 is increasing in the South.

Influenza: Influenza A is holding steady in the South while influenza B is increasing.

RSV: RSV is increasing in the South.

The Midwest

COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 is increasing in the Midwest.

Influenza: Influenza A is holding steady in the Midwest, while influenza B is increasing.

RSV: RSV is holding steady in the Midwest.

The Northeast

COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 is decreasing in the Northeast.

Influenza: Influenza A is decreasing in the Northeast, while influenza B is increasing.

RSV: RSV is decreasing in the Northeast.

The West

COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 is decreasing in the West.

Influenza: Influenza A is holding steady in the West, while influenza B is decreasing.

RSV: RSV is decreasing in the West.

Footnotes:

We continue to monitor the evolving H5N1 influenza virus situation, and can now test samples specifically for H5 (including H5N1) — see our blog here and please reach out to hello@biobot.io if interested. A quick reminder that Biobot’s influenza A assay described in this report includes the H5N1 influenza subtype, which is an influenza A virus, but does not distinguish between the different subtypes of influenza A (e.g. H5N1 vs H1N1). We will share any important updates as we have them.

Wastewater data from Biobot Analytics for RSV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 are through January 31, 2026 (MMWR week 4).