We are providing notification of an increase in Influenza viral levels in the untreated wastewater at NEORSD Southerly WWTC. See figure below.
For SARS-CoV-2, notifications are sent when the most recent sample collected shows a 500% (250% for sites with populations greater than 100,000) increase in million gene copies per day (MGC/D) over the average of the previous month’s samples. SARS-CoV-2 notifications may also be sent after two consecutive detections above 70 MGC/D per person (a very high level) as needed. For influenza and RSV, notifications are issued upon two consecutive detections above the level of quantification (LOQ) of 13,000 gene copies per liter. Notifications are typically shared early in the respiratory season to alert the beginning of high seasonal activity. Additional notifications may be issued after a period of 45 days if viral levels are still very high and/or increasing. Summary of monitored targets in NEORSD Southerly WWTC influent:
Increasing viral concentration in wastewater is often a leading indicator of higher transmission, case counts, and hospitalizations in the community. Action steps local officials may consider include encouraging vaccination and notifying stakeholders (long-term care facilities, healthcare facilities, schools, etc.) of the increasing viral concentrations in wastewater so they can consider prevention measures they deem appropriate. Respiratory viral levels in wastewater throughout the season can be viewed on the Ohio Wastewater Monitoring Network Dashboard.