COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV Wastewater Monitoring in the U.S. | Week of May 9, 2026

Summary: Week of 5/9/26

 

Biobot’s nationwide network shows that respiratory virus activity is easing across the U.S. Wastewater trends show COVID-19, influenza A and B, RSV, and HMPV all decreasing nationally, with the same downward pattern seen across every region: the South, Midwest, Northeast, and West.

The Bottom Line: It’s great news that we continue to move into a lower-risk period. Still, respiratory viruses have not disappeared—RSV, HMPV, and influenza B are still circulating at low levels in some places. People at higher risk may want to continue using layered protection when needed, especially in crowded indoor spaces or around someone who is sick.

National Outlook

COVID-19 

Nationally, SARS-CoV-2 is decreasing.

 

Influenza

Nationally, influenza A and B are decreasing. 

 

RSV

Nationally, RSV is decreasing.

 

HMPV

Nationally, HMPV is decreasing.

 

Regional Outlook

The South

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

Influenza: Influenza A and B are decreasing in the South.

RSV: RSV is decreasing in the South.

HMPV: HMPV is decreasing in the South. 

 

The Midwest

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

Influenza: Influenza A and B are decreasing in the Midwest.

RSV: RSV is decreasing in the Midwest.

HMPV: HMPV is decreasing in the Midwest. 

 

The Northeast

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

Influenza: Influenza A and B are decreasing in the Northeast.

RSV: RSV is decreasing in the Northeast.

HMPV: HMPV is decreasing in the Northeast. 

 

The West

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

Influenza: Influenza A and B are decreasing in the West. 

RSV: RSV is decreasing in the West.

HMPV: HMPV is decreasing in the West. 

 

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Footnotes: 
We continue to monitor evolving health threats, like measles outbreaks and H5N1 avian influenza, and can test samples specifically for these viruses. Please reach out to hello@biobot.io if interested. We will share any important updates as we have them. 

Wastewater data from Biobot Analytics for RSV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 are through May 9, 2026 (MMWR week 18).

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