The air in winter is cold and dry, and people gather in closed places, which means that winter most spread different viruses.However, the end of winter does not mean that all these diseases have disappeared because There are still some that are still being added its incidence.
When people are infected, they shed the virus in their excrement, so Wastewater analysis This is a valuable way Get information in real time About diseases affecting the population.exist USAWastewaterSCAM analyzed data from Wastewater treatment plants from 41 states Find out which viruses are currently affecting people the most.
“There are similar patterns across the country for the major viruses we are currently monitoring,” he said. Marlene WolfeProfessor of Environmental Health at Emory University and one of the leaders of the WastewaterSCAN project. “We don’t see very different patterns geographically,” Wolfe concluded.
Overall, the samples detected COVID-19 and Influenza A Cases Decline, which often leads to more severe illness.this Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) rates also significantly reduced. However, the rise in cases of these other viruses clearly shows: Disease season is not over yet.
norovirus
Norovirus infection, also known as the “cruise ship virus,” can cause Severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It is highly contagious and is responsible for more than half of all foodborne illnesses in the United States each year.
Most cases are generally concentrated in November to April.Although last year’s largest peak was in February, WastewaterSCAN data shows that this year The disease continues to increase.Mainly because its spread occurs through foodits incidence does not follow seasonal patterns.
The best way to avoid diarrhea and vomiting caused by infection is to clean thoroughly Highly contaminated surfaces such as kitchens and bathrooms. “I remind people, if you have a norovirus problem, use bleach,” Wolfe said. “Hand sanitizer does not kill or inactivate this virus, it likes to stay,” he added.
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV)
he Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) It belongs to the same virus family as RSV and mainly affects similar people (old man and child) cause respiratory disease.Its most common symptoms are Congestion, cough, difficulty breathing, or fever.
Although many health centers are not testing for the virus, wastewater samples have detected it The number of viruses has increased sharply since the end of Februaryand has only recently begun to decline.
No specific antiviral treatment But experts say getting into the habit of washing your hands frequently, covering your coughs and sneezes, and staying home when you feel sick can help reduce the spread of the virus.
Influenza B
influenza, Commonly known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus.There are four types of influenza viruses, labeled A, B, C, and D, but the viruses that return seasonally each year and cause the most problems They belong to group A and group B.
Although influenza A viruses, which cause more severe disease and account for a large number of cases, are declining, B virus continues to increase As WastewaterSCAN shows, it didn’t peak until recently.
the good news is annual flu vaccine It’s designed to attack influenza A and B viruses, so most vaccinated people won’t need to take any other precautions besides washing their hands frequently and covering coughs and sneezes.
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