LINCOLN- Wastewater testing at the end of 2023 showed relatively high levels of COVID-19 in Iowa, Kansas and Missouri, according to the CDC. In Nebraska wastewater, virus levels were elevated, but not as high as the other states. The latest CDC data suggests the virus is as prevalent in wastewater in all four states as it was in late 2022 and early 2023.

The CDC started its wastewater testing program in 2020, as one way to help health departments prepare for spikes in cases. The agency tests water from toilets, sinks, and showers around the country for signs of the virus, which lingers in wastewater because people infected can shed the virus, even if they don’t have symptoms.

Nationwide, 8.7% of hospital admissions in the last week were for COVID-19 patients, according to the CDC. The number of admissions for Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, are significantly lower. Wastewater is an indicator of potential risk, but health officials say what should really be monitored is hospital admittance rates.

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