CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The CDC says COVID-19 cases are rising based on what they're seeing in wastewater samples. So why aren't officials sounding the alarm yet?
Let's connect the dots.
First off, it's important to remember, virus levels around most of the country are still low. The CDC isn't sure if this is a random uptick or a sign of things to come.
Right now, several monitor stations are picking up more amounts of COVID-19. About 40%of stations are seeing an increase in cases, compared to about 15% just a month before.
Despite the increase, the CDC says the viral concentration is still one of the lowest they've recorded. It's down 50% since Thanksgiving.
While these numbers are important to watch out for, the CDC says they can't get a clear picture of the viral spread, since most states don't submit wastewater data.
Right now, only 12 states, including North Carolina, submit their findings. Mecklenburg County has been pulling samples from sewer lines since September 2020 and putting them through PCR tests.
“It’s just a really good way of understanding what pathogens are circulating and what they’re doing in the population without asking people to go in and get tested consistently,” Jessica Schlueter, an associate professor of bioinformatics at UNC Charlotte said.
Currently, there are five sites that are monitored throughout Mecklenburg County. UNC Charlotte officials said they pull wastewater from specific buildings to know when to test or quarantine students. The county is hoping to use that technology in homeless shelters and the Mecklenburg County Jail.
Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.