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High Disease Levels Detected in U.S. Wastewater Analysis

4/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

WastewaterSCAN, a program by Stanford University and Emory University, reports high levels of six infectious diseases in U.S. wastewater, including human metapneumovirus, rotavirus, COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus.
HMPV and rotavirus rose by 11% and 29%, COVID-19 fell by 46%, the Cicada variant rose by 4%, and measles detections rose in several states.
Experts will monitor wastewater data to track trends as warmer weather reduces respiratory illnesses.

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Story summary

WastewaterSCAN, a program by Stanford University and Emory University, reports high levels of six infectious diseases in U.S. wastewater, including human metapneumovirus, rotavirus, COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus.
HMPV and rotavirus rose by 11% and 29%, COVID-19 fell by 46%, the Cicada variant rose by 4%, and measles detections rose in several states.
Experts will monitor wastewater data to track trends as warmer weather reduces respiratory illnesses.