The Cleveland Department of Public Health (CDPH) is alerting residents and community partners after a significant increase in SARS-CoV-2 viral levels was detected in untreated wastewater samples collected from the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s (NEORSD) Easterly Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Recent monitoring results show a high and increasing trend in SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), triggering notification thresholds established by the Ohio Department of Health. The alert was issued after a sample showed a more than 250% increase in million gene copies per day (MGC/D) compared to the average of the previous month’s samples—indicating a strong likelihood of increased community spread in the coming days or weeks.
Additional findings from the same sample also revealed high levels of influenza, which is also trending upward and high levels of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), though RSV data is still in its baseline collection phase.
“Increasing viral concentrations in wastewater are often a leading indicator of future spikes in illness, hospitalizations, and transmission throughout the community,” said Director of Public Health Dr. David Margolius. “This data provides us with an early warning system, and we’re encouraging residents and institutions to take preventive steps now.”
75 Erieview Plaza
Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1839
www.clevelandhealth.org
What Residents Should Know:
- Wastewater data reflects community infection trends, including among people who may not seek testing or show
symptoms. - We urge residents to consider getting vaccinated or boosted against COVID-19 and influenza.
- Individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms should consider themselves contagious and stay home or wear a mask
if they need to leave the house.
CDPH will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed. For the latest public health
information, visit clevelandoh.gov/health or follow us on social media.