Assessing Covid-19 Presence in Wastewater through CDC Methods and Identified Detections in Your Region
To detect virus prevalence and broader patterns, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention utilizes a vast array of monitoring stations situated at wastewater treatment facilities nationwide. This extensive network represents approximately 43% of the overall population.
The method doesn't provide an exact tally of instances, as readings may fluctuate based on the volume of sewage in a specific location or the unique traits of a specific virus strain at a certain moment. However, it serves as an early indication of viral spread, according to CDC representatives. CNN updates these statistics every week for the nation as a whole and by state, with this page updating automatically as the agency releases fresh information.
Viral activity levels fluctuate both temporally and geographically. The table below breaks down trends by state, ranking in ascending order based on the severity of viral activity during the most recent testing period.
Samples are gathered from sites across the U.S. that satisfy criteria to ensure data anonymity. This sampling allows the CDC to gain insights from a broad cross-section of the population, rather than simply those within the healthcare system. Wastewater data also aids local public health agencies in identifying new Covid variants and other infectious diseases like RSV and mpox.
The agency releases the percentage shift in viral levels for each area where data was collected within a 15-day period, with areas with increased testing volumes having more reporting locations than others. This map highlights those locations. Some sites exhibit an uptick in activity, while others display a decline.
The wastewater monitoring system, led by the CDC, provides valuable insights into the health of communities, as it can reveal changes in viral activity levels, including those of Covid-19, RSV, and mpox. Implementing proper health measures becomes crucial in areas experiencing an uptick in activity to prevent further spread of these diseases.
