Wastewater tests reveal high levels of RSV, Flu & Covid-19 | Local News

We’ve been following growing trends of Respiratory Illness in our area and were curious how trends are reflected in wastewater.

We turned to Biobot, a company known for tracking Covid-19 in wastewater.

Since then, that same technology has expanded to find opioids and now respiratory illnesses. 

Marisa Donnelly is one of the epidemiologist working with local and state health departments to analyze public wastewater.

“What wastewater does is it allows us to get a better understanding of the virus transmission before people start showing up to the hospital and getting really, really ill,” explained Donnelly.

She shares insight from analytics gathered at testing sites.

” In the south, RSV was really high a couple of weeks ago, but recently, we’re starting to see RSV concentrations in the south level off,” she said.

She says this evidence may indicate fewer hospitalizations.

However, viruses like the flu and Covid-19 are still a concern.

“Wastewater levels for Covid-19 remains high for both of those viruses. We also see that reflected in hospitalizations, deaths, and tests,” she said.

Donnelly says Covid-19 in wastewater is lower this week than it was during the same time last year.

She says we’re in peak season for Respiratory illnesses and it may be a good idea to watch for signs.

“If you feel ill, there could be a good chance that you came into contact with someone with COVID-19 or influenza,” she said. “So, I’m probably not going to see Grandma.”

She says as we head into the holiday season, wearing a mask and using good hand hygiene are just a couple of ways to stay healthy.

“What is really powerful about wastewater data is that it is equitable. It doesn’t require to get so ill they have to go to the hospital,” she said.

The technology not only saves a trip to the doctor, it can also help communities make well-informed decisions faster than ever.

“It allows us to understand the community health without needing to rely on individual behaviors,” she said.

If you’re interested in reading up on Biobot analytics by clicking here.