Open Data Insight of the Day

Monitoring wastewater is crucial because it provides early indications of viral infections in the community. People excrete viruses in their urine and feces, and by analyzing wastewater, we can detect trends in infections even when clinical testing decreases. This surveillance is vital for public health preparedness, helping authorities respond to potential outbreaks.

The most recent data shows Influenza A at 91,200 gene copies per liter, Influenza B not detected, and RSV at 19,120 gene copies per liter. Compared to the past 30 days, Influenza A levels are elevated, while RSV levels are stable. Year-to-date, Influenza A is high, and RSV is medium. These levels indicate the presence of the viruses but do not reflect disease severity.

Table 1 summarizes the combined activity of these viruses over the last seven days, providing insight into current conditions. Table 2 presents annual historical peaks, offering a long-term perspective. These tables help determine if current levels are unusual or expected based on past data.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Influenza A and B are viruses that cause seasonal flu epidemics. RNA is a molecule that carries genetic information. PCR is a laboratory technique used to amplify DNA or RNA samples for analysis.