A key tool for monitoring COVID infection levels shows virus levels have spiked to “very high” or “high” in more than half of the nation’s states, including three New England states. According to the CDC:.
Wastewater surveillance data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that COVID-19 prevalence has reached “very high” levels in seven states, including California, Texas and Florida.
“High” levels were also recorded in 19 other states, including New Hampshire, Maine and Connecticut.
The National Wastewater Monitoring Program is considered an early warning system because increases in the virus that causes COVID-19 often precede increases in hospitalizations and cases.
National data shows COVID cases have been steadily increasing over the past 45 days. The latest data for Massachusetts shows COVID at a “moderate” level, according to the CDC. The Globe reported last week, citing state data, that COVID-19 cases in the state are below last winter’s peak but are trending upward.
As of July 10, concentrations of COVID-19 in wastewater in Boston and areas north and west of the city are more than three times higher than they were in late April. Cases are also on the rise, according to the latest Department of Public Health report from July 3.
The ministry said it has suspended reporting on respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, until Aug. 1, although surveillance activities will continue.
The CDC’s new report found that Oregon, Nevada and Florida have the highest levels of COVID in wastewater, followed by California, Texas, Arkansas and Maryland.
According to the CDC, Vermont has “moderate” levels of virus transmission, while Rhode Island has “low” levels.
The account used information from previous Globe reporting.
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