Oregon recorded 156 positive COVID-19 cases in August, more than double July's total. Beaverton School District students returned to classrooms that same week.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) also reported a sharp jump in SARS-CoV-2 detected in the state's wastewater. Positive samples climbed from 0.6% in May to 5.7% as of Thursday, Aug. 27, according to OregonLive. That nearly tenfold increase tracks a national pattern: the CDC estimated infections were growing or likely growing in 47 states as of mid-August.

OHA spokesperson Jonathan Modie said the 156 confirmed cases are almost certainly an undercount because they exclude at-home tests. The figure reflects only cases reported by hospitals and doctors' offices.

Wastewater surveillance captures virus spread among people who never get tested, never report illness, or show no symptoms. The 5.7% positive rate is Oregon's highest since February, when 241 cases were logged in a single month.

No updated vaccine is available yet.

Modie said gathering indoors for school, college, or holidays increases the risk of spreading respiratory viruses. "There is an increased risk of spreading respiratory viruses, including COVID," he said.

The timing is notable for BSD families. Students returned the week of Aug. 25, to a new school year that includes the brand-new $250 million Beaverton High School campus.

Modie said the fall 2026 shot is expected in late September or early October and recommended families get it promptly once it arrives.

Nationally, WastewaterSCAN reported August wastewater COVID levels were up 105% compared to July, with concentrations doubling each month since June, USA Today reported.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said current strains cause sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, fever, headache and body aches. The agency considers overall risk to the general public relatively low but rising.

The updated vaccine expected in late September is the next line of defense for families heading into fall.