Developing Story Note: This report covers new developments in national respiratory illness trends as children return to school. Information may change as public health agencies release new data. Figures come from CDC updates posted September 25, 2026, and CDC transmission estimates dated September 23, 2026.
COVID-19 activity is now declining nationally, the CDC reported on September 25, while group A strep and rhinovirus infections keep rising as children settle back into classrooms. The agency's respiratory illness data channel says COVID activity remains elevated but is falling and that COVID hospitalizations remain low. It describes the amount of respiratory illness sending people to seek health care as "very low."
