CDC: 17 states show heightened COVID-19 viral activity

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that very high levels of the COVID-19 virus have been detected in the wastewater of 17 states, indicating that infection rates may be increasing.

The CDC measures a community’s viral activity level on a scale ranging from minimal to very high, allowing public health officials to gauge how the COVID-19 virus is spreading and mutating in their areas. The virus can enter in the sewer system when infected Americans — even those who are asymptomatic — use sinks, drains or toilets.

The CDC hopes to use this data to determine how to minimize outbreaks and alert clinicians and hospitals of upticks in cases.

Read more: Newsweek

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