COVID-19 and respiratory illnesses in season

Wastewater testing confirms virus is circulating in community

NEW ULM – High levels of COVID-19 have been detected using wastewater testing, indicating that respiratory illnesses are circulating.

Brown County Public Health Director Jaimee Brand said an increase in COVID-19 activity was detected on Sept. 21 from their wastewater data.

Wastewater data emerged as a tool to monitor respiratory illnesses and other local data back in 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The data can track four respiratory illnesses: Influenza A, Influenza B, COVID-19, and RSV.

"It's helpful for local public health to see what might be circulating and then to look at trends in the health care system to see if they are matching up," Brand said.

Brand uses data from wastewater plants in Mankato and Lafayette to monitor the four respiratory illnesses.

"We're seeing a high level at our plant in Mankato, indicating to me when I'm looking at data that we probably have some COVID-19 circulating," Brand said.

Wastewater data is paired alongside health care data to better understand respiratory illness situations.

"It's just another tool we use, it doesn't necessarily paint a full picture," Brand said.

Based on the data, Brand believes that despite the high rates of COVID-19 shown in the wastewater, fewer people are going to the doctor, meaning that they are managing symptoms at home and not using the healthcare system.

Brand said the rates of COVID-19 are normal compared with previous years when respiratory illnesses begin circulation.

She recommends basic respiratory precautions.

"Stay home if you're not feeling well, be 24 hour fever free without fever-reducing medication, wash your hands," she said. "All the basic respiratory etiquette."

In regard to prevention, Brand said that COVID-19 is approached in a similar way to the flu. Vaccinations for the flu and COVID-19 are offered annually. Brown County Public Health has Influenza vaccines available.

"We're always open to having conversations at public health if people are not quite sure if any vaccine is right for them," Brand said.

For COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, consult your health care provider.