Lungfish Viral Surveillance Discussion
During the most recent week with data, viral signals in wastewater showed notable activity for several respiratory and enteric pathogens.
SARS-CoV-2 levels were elevated compared to both long-term and seasonal averages, with a marked increase over the previous four-week average. Enteroviruses, particularly
Enterovirus C,
Parechovirus A, and
Rhinovirus types, also demonstrated higher concentrations than historical and seasonal norms. In contrast, influenza viruses, RSVs, and several other respiratory pathogens remained undetectable or at very low levels. A few viruses, including
Parainfluenza 2 and
Enterovirus A71, were detected at low concentrations and with reduced confidence, indicating possible sporadic circulation. The overall pattern suggests a shift toward increased transmission of non-influenza respiratory and enteric viruses during the latest week with data.
Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2
Wastewater concentrations of
Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 were substantially elevated in the latest week with data, exceeding both long-term and seasonal averages and showing a pronounced increase compared to the previous four-week average. SARS-CoV-2 spreads primarily via respiratory droplets and aerosols, causing symptoms ranging from mild upper respiratory illness to severe pneumonia and systemic complications. Transmission is most intense in indoor settings and during periods of increased community interaction. Vaccines and boosters remain widely available and effective at reducing severe disease. Continued vigilance is recommended, especially for individuals at higher risk.
Influenza A (total)
No
Influenza A viruses were detected in the latest week with data, with levels well below long-term and seasonal averages and absent from the previous four-week average. This includes subtypes
H1N1,
H3N2, and
H5N1. Influenza A viruses are typically transmitted via respiratory droplets and can cause fever, cough, and systemic symptoms. Seasonal influenza activity is generally highest in late fall and winter. Annual vaccination is the primary preventive measure.
Influenza B
No
Influenza B was detected in the latest week with data, with levels well below historical and seasonal averages and absent from recent wastewater samples. Influenza B shares transmission routes and symptoms with Influenza A and is included in the annual influenza vaccine.
Pneumovirus RSV-A and
RSV-B
Both
RSV-A and
RSV-B were undetectable in the latest week with data, remaining below long-term and seasonal averages and absent in the previous four weeks. RSV is a common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children and older adults, with transmission peaking in late fall and winter. Preventive monoclonal antibodies are available for high-risk infants.
Enterovirus C
Enterovirus C concentrations were markedly elevated in the latest week with data, far exceeding long-term and seasonal averages and remaining high compared to the previous four-week average. Enteroviruses are transmitted via fecal-oral and respiratory routes, causing a range of illnesses from mild fever to severe neurological complications. No vaccines are available for most enteroviruses; hand hygiene and surface disinfection are primary preventive measures.
Parechovirus A
Parechovirus A levels were notably high in the latest week with data, surpassing historical and seasonal norms and remaining elevated compared to the previous four-week average. Parechoviruses are spread via fecal-oral and respiratory routes, often causing mild gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms, but can occasionally lead to severe disease in infants. No vaccines are available.
Enterovirus B
Enterovirus B concentrations were elevated in the latest week with data, higher than long-term and seasonal averages but slightly decreased compared to the previous four-week average. Enterovirus B can cause mild febrile illness, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, and, rarely, more severe complications.
Enterovirus Other A
Enterovirus Other A showed increased levels in the latest week with data, above both long-term and seasonal averages and slightly higher than the previous four-week average. These viruses are primarily spread via fecal-oral transmission and can cause mild to moderate illness.
Enterovirus D68
Enterovirus D68 concentrations were elevated in the latest week with data, exceeding historical and seasonal averages and remaining high compared to the previous four-week average. Enterovirus D68 is associated with respiratory symptoms and, in rare cases, acute flaccid myelitis.
Rhinovirus (total)
Rhinovirus concentrations were elevated in the latest week with data, well above long-term and seasonal averages and increased compared to the previous four-week average. Rhinoviruses are the most common cause of the common cold, spreading via respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces.
Parechovirus 1B and
Parechovirus 3
Both
Parechovirus 1B and
Parechovirus 3 were detected at elevated levels in the latest week with data, exceeding long-term and seasonal averages. These viruses are spread via fecal-oral and respiratory routes, typically causing mild illness.
Parainfluenza 2
Parainfluenza 2 was detected at low levels in the latest week with data, near the assay’s limit of detection and with reduced confidence. This virus was absent in the previous four-week average, indicating possible sporadic circulation. Parainfluenza viruses spread via respiratory droplets and can cause croup and other respiratory illnesses, especially in young children.
Enterovirus A71
Enterovirus A71 was detected at low levels in the latest week with data, near the assay’s limit of detection and with reduced confidence. This virus was absent in the previous four-week average. Enterovirus A71 is associated with hand-foot-and-mouth disease and, rarely, neurological complications.
Other Pathogens
No significant detection was observed for
Influenza C,
Human bocavirus,
Coronavirus 229E,
Coronavirus HKU1,
Coronavirus NL63,
Coronavirus OC43,
Metapneumovirus,
Parvovirus B19, and other parainfluenza types, with levels remaining below detection thresholds.
Summary and Implications
Wastewater data from the latest week with data indicate elevated circulation of
SARS-CoV-2, enteroviruses, parechoviruses, and rhinoviruses, while influenza viruses and RSVs remain undetectable. Community members should consider maintaining up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, practice frequent hand hygiene, and exercise caution in crowded indoor settings. Individuals with symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal illness should avoid close contact with others and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or prolonged. Enhanced attention to surface cleaning and respiratory etiquette is recommended to help limit transmission of multiple circulating viruses.