Wastewater COVID-19 levels are currently highest across the Northeast, including in New York, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest data.
The CDC’s most recent wastewater data for the week ending Sept. 25 shows the Empire State had “high” levels of COVID-19 viral activity, which may indicate a rise of infection in an area, the agency says.
Here’s what to know.
A closer look at New York’s wastewater COVID-19 levels
Of the 61 sites throughout the state reporting their wastewater COVID-19 levels for the week ending Sept. 25, “very high” levels were found at sites in the following 14 counties: Bronx, Clinton, Columbia, Dutchess, Erie, Kings, Monroe, Oneida, Onondaga, Queens, Rockland, Seneca, St. Lawrence and Westchester.
“High” levels were reported at sites in these seven counties: Jefferson, Kings, Nassau, Onondaga, Richmond, St. Lawrence and Westchester.
How does New York compare to the rest of the U.S.?
The Empire State’s “high” wastewater COVID-19 level currently exceeds the national level of “moderate,” according to the CDC.
The CDC is also continuing to track COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths on a weekly basis. Through the week ending Sept. 20, 7.9% of Americans tested positive for COVID-19, 0.8% of all U.S. deaths were attributed to COVID-19 and 1% of emergency room visits were COVID-19 related. These numbers are either lower than or unchanged from the previous week.
What’s the most common COVID-19 variant currently?
According to the latest data projection for the four weeks ending Saturday, Sept. 27, variant XFG, also known as “Stratus,” was the most common — accounting for 85% of cases.
“Stratus” was followed by NB.1.8.1, which accounted for 7% of cases, and LP.8.1 and NW.1, both at 3%.
What symptoms should you be looking out for?
Health agencies, including the CDC and the World Health Organization, say there’s no evidence of specific symptoms being unique to different strains. These COVID-19 symptoms as ones the CDC says to look out for:
The CDC advises seeking medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Contributing: USA TODAY
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: COVID levels in NY wastewater among highest in U.S.: What to know
Reporting by Emily Barnes, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
