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Wastewater monitoring detects elevated levels of COVID-19 in Wood County
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Community wastewater monitoring data from Bowling Green show an elevation in indicators for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, consistent with the local increase of COVID-19 cases, the Wood County Health Department said on Monday.
In a new effort to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, a network across Ohio is studying samples of wastewater to look for the presence of fragments from the virus that causes the disease. An upward trend of viral gene copies has been detected in the Bowling Green Water Pollution Control Facility sewer shed, which serves the Bowling Green and Portage communities, the health department said.
This trend is consistent with the increase in cases of COVID-19 recently observed in Bowling Green and the broader Wood County community.
Wood County Health Department is urging residents to remain vigilant in their efforts to help limit further spread of the disease. Everyone should limit social gatherings, social distance (6+ feet) when around people outside your household, wear face coverings, and adhere to prevention efforts, such as frequent hand-washing and staying home when sick.