The surge is largely driven by XFG, CDC data shows, which is thought to be more contagious than previous variants due to various mutations within its spike protein that help it evade antibodies from prior infection or vaccination.

This means XFG is likely more infectious, though is it is not deadlier.

The latest data now shows 29 states are reporting ‘high’ or ‘very high’ viral wastewater activity as of September 16.

And infections are ‘growing’ or ‘likely’ growing in nine states: North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Jersey and Delaware.

XFG’s rise comes as officials place more restrictions on Covid vaccines, with a CDC vaccine panel voting against recommending the shots in favor of ‘individual decision-making.’

The agency’s wastewater estimates are based on reports from hundreds of sites across the US that analyze the water for signs of Covid.

An uptick