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Wastewater Surveillance

All articles tagged with #wastewater surveillance

health14 days ago•11 min saved

BA.3.2 Cicada spreads across the US, testing current vaccines

The BA.3.2 variant (Cicada), an Omicron descendant with many spike mutations, is spreading rapidly in the United States and in about 23 countries. It is not yet shown to be more dangerous, but its differences may reduce how well current vaccines recognize it, underscoring the continued importance of vaccination, especially for people with chronic health conditions. The variant was first detected globally in 2024, reached the US in 2025, and has been found in 29 states and through wastewater data. Practical guidance remains: practice good hygiene, stay home when sick, spend time outdoors, and consult a clinician about personal risk. Wastewater surveillance continues as a valuable early warning tool.

via The Conversation|

#ba32 #cicada #covid-19

health17 days ago•4 min saved

Wastewater signals BA.3.2 COVID-19 variant in 25 states, CDC reports

A new SARS-CoV-2 lineage, BA.3.2, is being tracked in the United States through wastewater and clinical samples, with detections across 25 states including travelers and patients. The variant carries 70–75 spike-protein mutations and has shown immune escape characteristics, potentially increasing infections though not necessarily causing more severe disease. The CDC notes ongoing genomic surveillance is essential as BA.3.2 has two sublineages (BA.3.2.1 and BA.3.2.2) and continues to evolve.

via Fox News|

#ba32 #cdc #covid-19

health29 days ago•27 min saved

Hidden respiratory virus HMPV surges as flu wanes

A little-known respiratory virus called human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is rising nationwide as flu season winds down, with wastewater data showing high community activity. Most infections are mild and last 2–5 days, but HMPV can progress to pneumonia, bronchitis, or trigger asthma flares, particularly in young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. There is no vaccine and no specific treatment. Diagnosis is usually clinical, sometimes confirmed by nasal/throat swabs, and transmission occurs via droplets and contaminated surfaces. Prevention centers on staying home when sick, hand-washing, and keeping surfaces clean. Most people will be infected with at least one HMPV strain in their lifetime.

via New York Post|

#flu-season #health #hmpv

health1 month ago•264 min saved

California Faces Uptick in HMPV, a Cold-Like Virus With No Vaccine

Public health officials report rising human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in parts of California, with wastewater data showing higher concentrations in Merced, Novato and Sunnyvale; there is no vaccine or specific antiviral for HMPV, and most infections are mild but can be severe for immunocompromised individuals, young children, and older adults. The virus typically peaks in late winter to spring and was disrupted by COVID-19, though seasonality is returning. Prevention focuses on handwashing, cleaning touched surfaces, improving ventilation, and avoiding sick people; consult a clinician if symptoms worsen. LA County levels are currently low to moderate, signaling a cautious but not alarmed public health situation.

via AOL.com|

#california #health #hmpv

health1 month ago•5 min saved

Wastewater traces reveal West Coast surge of HMPV virus

A little-known respiratory virus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), is surging on the West Coast, with wastewater surveillance showing elevated activity in Northern California and a January peak; there is no vaccine or specific treatment, and the virus can cause cough, fever and breathing difficulties, posing higher risks to young children, older adults and the immunocompromised, while data also show rising activity in the Midwest and Northeast per CDC surveillance.

via Fox News|

#cdc #health #hmpv

health1 month ago•7 min saved

Wastewater Signals Point to HMPV Spread in Northern California

Northern California communities are showing elevated wastewater signals for human metapneumovirus (HMPV), including Novato and Sunnyvale, though authorities say there’s no vaccine and most infections are mild; high-risk groups (immunocompromised, young children, older adults) can develop serious illness, and prevention centers on standard respiratory hygiene and ventilation. HMPV’s seasonal peak typically occurs in late winter to spring, a pattern altered by COVID but now reemerging.

via Los Angeles Times|

#california #health #human-metapneumovirus

health1 month ago•3 min saved

Bay Area Detects Rise in Human Metapneumovirus via Wastewater Signals

Wastewater data show high concentrations of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) across Northern California, signaling a regional uptick in a common respiratory virus that can cause cold- or flu-like illness and, in some people (especially young children, seniors, and the immunocompromised), more serious disease; there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment, so prevention centers on hygiene and staying home when sick, with symptoms typically lasting 2–5 days.

via Sacramento Bee|

#health #hmpv #human-metapneumovirus

health2 months ago•6 min saved

Six Viruses Detected at High Levels in Lawrence Wastewater Amid Flu Surge

Lawrence wastewater shows high levels of six viruses—COVID-19, influenza A and B, RSV, human metapneumovirus, and norovirus—over the past three weeks, signaling rising community circulation during peak flu season. Wastewater reflects virus presence rather than exact case counts, and the Stratus (XFG) COVID variant now accounts for about 82% of positive samples, with influenza B peaking earlier in the season.

via lawrencekstimes.com|

#covid-19 #health #influenza

health2 months ago•16 min saved

Wastewater signals measles early, helping public health act faster

Public health officials are using wastewater surveillance to detect measles outbreaks earlier than traditional reporting, enabling quicker responses and targeted vaccination to curb spread.

via AP News|

#epidemiology #health #measles

health2 months ago•12 min saved

Colorado Battles a 'Super Flu' as ER Visits Surge

Colorado is in the midst of a record-breaking flu season, with emergency departments seeing high visit volumes and hospitalizations as doctors warn of a highly contagious, severe flu that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in addition to respiratory symptoms. The CDC ranks Colorado among the states with the most flu activity; nationwide pediatric ED visits are high and several children have died. Two groups drive ER demand: healthy individuals with severe symptoms and patients with underlying conditions whose illnesses worsen. Wastewater surveillance shows very high flu levels in Colorado, guiding testing and resource use. Vaccination remains recommended to reduce severity, while most cases are managed at home unless symptoms are severe enough to require urgent care.

via The Conversation|

#colorado #emergency-medicine #flu

public-health3 months ago•9 min saved

Allegheny County Wastewater Tests Reveal Fentanyl, Xylazine, and More

Allegheny County is using wastewater testing to track the presence of drugs like fentanyl, xylazine, and others, providing public health officials with valuable data to respond to evolving drug trends and inform funding and treatment strategies. The testing, conducted by Biobot Analytics, offers an additional layer of insight alongside other data sources, helping to address the complex and changing drug supply in the region.

via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|

#allegheny-county #drug-monitoring #fentanyl

health1 year ago•1 min saved

"COVID Levels Surge in Wastewater Across Multiple States, CDC Reports"

The CDC reports that COVID-19 levels have surged to "very high" or "high" in more than half of the U.S. states, with California, Texas, and Florida among the hardest hit. Wastewater surveillance data, an early indicator of virus spread, shows a steady increase in cases nationwide over the past 45 days. Massachusetts and Vermont have "moderate" levels, while Rhode Island has "low" levels.

via The Boston Globe|

#cdc #covid-19 #health

health1 year ago•6 min saved

Wastewater Testing Reveals Widespread Bird Flu in Livestock

Wastewater surveillance suggests bird flu is more widespread among US dairy cows than previously reported, raising concerns about worker safety and the potential for human infection. Despite resistance from farmers, expanded monitoring is needed to better understand and control the virus's spread. The CDC is increasing funding and efforts to track the virus, particularly in rural areas and near livestock.

via Yahoo Finance|

#bird-flu #dairy-cows #h5n1-virus

health-covid-192 years ago•4 min saved

"Rising COVID-19 Infections: US Faces Second Wave Surge"

Experts estimate that about two million people are now being infected with Covid every day in the US, based on wastewater surveillance data from Biobot. The surge in infections is attributed to the JN.1 variant, which is more infectious and may be more deadly than previous strains. Despite the high infection levels, deaths from the virus are at historic lows for this time of year due to high levels of immunity in the population. In addition to Covid, flu and RSV are also at unseasonably high levels, raising concerns about a larger surge in respiratory diseases. Hospitals in at least 14 states have brought back face mask mandates to limit the spread of respiratory viruses, and experts advise maintaining preventive measures such as hand hygiene and staying updated on vaccines.

via Daily Mail|

#covid-19 #flu #health-covid-19

health-covid-192 years ago•6 min saved

Wastewater Surveillance Reveals Looming COVID-19 Surge

Wastewater surveillance data indicates a surge in COVID-19 cases, with the US experiencing a significant increase in viral activity levels. Experts warn of a potential new wave of infections, with concerns raised about the JN.1 variant and waning immunity. While vaccine programs have stabilized hospitalizations, the data suggests a second major surge in the pandemic, prompting calls for improved monitoring systems and policy adjustments to address the evolving situation.

via The Register|

#covid-19 #health-covid-19 #pandemic