Threat LensBiologicalSignificant increase in COVID-19 levels in California wastewater

Significant increase in COVID-19 levels in California wastewater

Type of event:
Disease/Outbreak, Public Health

Victims

Wounded

Date

July 15, 2024

What happened

COVID-19 levels in California’s wastewater have risen significantly with the arrival of summer. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has said that visits to the emergency room and admissions have increased. The positive test results are in sharp increase compared to last summer, even if the data reflect only the results of the tests carried out in the hospital facilities and not those at home. Moreover, many people with symptoms no longer undergo the tests for COVID-19.

The new COVID wave is also spreading on the eastern coast of the United States. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in New York City urged residents to consider wearing a mask, especially in crowded indoor environments and especially for high-risk people. It is estimated that the COVID cases of the last few weeks belonged to the FLiRT strains, officially known as KP.3, KP.2, and KP.1.1.

Where it happened

Main sources