Overview
- The Public Health Lab began in-house surveillance on Jan. 7, testing community wastewater for circulating viruses and publishing results online.
- Sampling focuses on the Point Loma, South Bay, and Encina treatment facilities, with data updated every two weeks to show local trends.
- County testing targets SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A and B, and RSV, with genomic sequencing used to identify circulating COVID-19 strains.
- Initial dashboard readings show Influenza A at the highest levels among the tracked viruses in recent months, with Encina reaching the upper percentile range.
- Point Loma’s current Influenza A levels are below late-2024 peaks but appear to be rising, and officials emphasize the data are non-invasive, anonymous indicators to inform messaging and interventions.