OU Researchers Detect Major Increase Of COVID-19 In Wastewater Samples

In the last two weeks, health experts said the levels of COVID they've seen in wastewater plants have been anywhere from 33 to 67 times higher than when they were measured in May.

Wednesday, September 1st 2021, 10:40 am

By: Hunter McKee

OU researchers have detected a major increase of COVID-19 in sewage samples collected throughout the Oklahoma City metro.

In the last two weeks, health experts said the levels of COVID they've seen in wastewater plants have been anywhere from 33 to 67 times higher than when they were measured in May.

Those with OU Health said the increase levels of COVID over the past month are a sign that new infections are coming rapidly throughout the state.

According to the CDC, several people infected with COVID shed the virus in their waste before developing symptoms. Health officials said they've been continuing to monitor sewage to predict any potential surges.

Last week, there were more than 14,000 new COVID-19 cases reported in Oklahoma and 136 deaths. Almost 6% of the cases have been hospitalizations.

OU Health officials said wastewater testing is a good tool to use as the virus continues to impact the state.