Nisha Pandey

COVID-19 Is Surging in Parts of California, Wastewater Data Reveals

COVID-19 is surging in some parts of <span>California</span> as wastewater surveillance showing a sharp rise in the amount of virus circulating in the surrounding communities.

The latest data comes as California health officials warn that the state’s COVID-19 pattern appears to be shifting, with summer outbreaks becoming more prominent than winter ones.

According to the California Department of Public Health data cited by the <em>San Francisco Chronicle</em>, COVID-19 outbreak expanded in June, rose through July and continued rising in August. Hospital admissions are also increasing, although they remain relatively low compared to previous outbreaks.

<span>WastewaterSCAN</span> data showed that COVID-19 concentrations across monitored Bay Area sites were 136% higher in July than in June. By early August, nearly 54% of monitored sites were classified as having “high” levels, with San Francisco, San Jose, Sunnyvale, San Rafael, <span>Vallejo</span> and Napa among the communities reporting high levels of cases. 

“Monitoring wastewater can act as an early warning system for health officials and the public,” said <span>Amanda Bidwell</span>, WastewaterSCAN’s scientific program manager. 

<h2>Wastewater Surveillance Reveals COVID-19 Resurgence</h2>

Wastewater surveillance looks for traces of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage. Because infected people can shed the virus even when they have mild or no symptoms, wastewater can provide an early picture of infections spreading through a community.

The CDC says wastewater trends can detect viruses earlier than clinical testing and can also capture infections that never result in a doctor's visit. An increase in wastewater viral activity may therefore signal a higher risk of infection in the community. 

California is currently one of only four U.S. states where COVID-19 wastewater activity is classified as moderate or high by the CDC, according to the <em>Los Angeles Times</em>. The CDC also says COVID-19 is growing or likely growing in 43 states. 

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/bmj-public-health-retracts-controversial-covid-vaccine-study-cited-in-us-senate-hearing-article-155607334" data-type="tilCustomLink">BMJ Public Health Retracts Controversial COVID Vaccine Study Cited In US Senate Hearing</a>

<h2>Is A Dangerous New COVID Variant Causing The Surge?</h2>

Wastewater monitoring suggests several variants are circulating rather than one strain. In the Bay Area, <span>XFG</span>, also known as “Stratus,” remains prominent, while NB.1.8.1, or “Nimbus,” is also circulating. 

Stanford infectious disease expert Dr. <span>Abraar Karan</span> said there is currently no evidence suggesting a dangerous or different virus or a variant that is expected to cause a major increase in hospitalizations or causalties. 

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Experts say the current wave should not be confused with the severe COVID-19 surges of the pandemic's early years. According to recent data and reports, hospitalizations remain comparatively low compared to previous outbreaks.

However, California health officials are urging people who have not received the <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/dr-anthony-faucis-personal-journals-reignites-debate-on-covid-19-origin-says-he-overshadowed-president-trump-article-155203216" data-type="tilCustomLink">2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine</a> to consider getting it now rather than waiting for the updated vaccine expected later this year.

“Summer is really the bigger peak,” California Public Health Officer Dr. <span>Erica Pan</span> said. “Go ahead and get it now, given the surge.” 

The timing could become important as schools reopen and people spend more time in crowded indoor settings. In 2025, California's summer COVID-19 wave peaked later in the season, meaning the current increase may not be over yet. 

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COVID-19 is surging in some parts of California as wastewater surveillance showing a sharp rise in the amount of virus circulating in the surrounding communities.The latest data comes as California health officials warn that the state’s COVID-19 pattern appears to be shifting, with summer outbreaks becoming more prominent than winter ones.According to the California Department of Public Health data cited by the San Francisco Chronicle, COVID-19 outbreak expanded in June, rose through July and continued rising in August. Hospital admissions are also increasing, although they remain relatively low compared to previous outbreaks.WastewaterSCAN data showed that COVID-19 concentrations across monitored Bay Area sites were 136% higher in July than in June. By early August, nearly 54% of monitored sites were classified as having “high” levels, with San Francisco, San Jose, Sunnyvale, San Rafael, Vallejo and Napa among the communities reporting high levels of cases. “Monitoring wastewater can act as an early warning system for health officials and the public,” said Amanda Bidwell, WastewaterSCAN’s scientific program manager. Wastewater Surveillance Reveals COVID-19 ResurgenceWastewater surveillance looks for traces of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage. Because infected people can shed the virus even when they have mild or no symptoms, wastewater can provide an early picture of infections spreading through a community.The CDC says wastewater trends can detect viruses earlier than clinical testing and can also capture infections that never result in a doctor's visit. An increase in wastewater viral activity may therefore signal a higher risk of infection in the community. California is currently one of only four U.S. states where COVID-19 wastewater activity is classified as moderate or high by the CDC, according to the Los Angeles Times. The CDC also says COVID-19 is growing or likely growing in 43 states. Also read: BMJ Public Health Retracts Controversial COVID Vaccine Study Cited In US Senate HearingIs A Dangerous New COVID Variant Causing The Surge?Wastewater monitoring suggests several variants are circulating rather than one strain. In the Bay Area, XFG, also known as “Stratus,” remains prominent, while NB.1.8.1, or “Nimbus,” is also circulating. Stanford infectious disease expert Dr. Abraar Karan said there is currently no evidence suggesting a dangerous or different virus or a variant that is expected to cause a major increase in hospitalizations or causalties.          Experts say the current wave should not be confused with the severe COVID-19 surges of the pandemic's early years. According to recent data and reports, hospitalizations remain comparatively low compared to previous outbreaks.However, California health officials are urging people who have not received the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine to consider getting it now rather than waiting for the updated vaccine expected later this year.“Summer is really the bigger peak,” California Public Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan said. “Go ahead and get it now, given the surge.” The timing could become important as schools reopen and people spend more time in crowded indoor settings. In 2025, California's summer COVID-19 wave peaked later in the season, meaning the current increase may not be over yet. 

covid-19 is surging in parts of california, wastewater data reveals

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