In the latest public health update that might make you think twice before braving the great outdoors without a hand sanitizer, the Monroe County Health Department has issued a "Weather" report for pathogens, and the forecast is pretty grim. According to data released by WastewaterSCAN, samples from the sewershed show high levels of SARS-CoV-2, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus as of February 10.
While the county is seeing high activity of common respiratory pathogens, the report did include a sliver of good news for those tracking the avian influenza updates, H5N1 virus levels are not currently detectable in the local wastewater system. Despite this, health officials are doubling down on recommendations for residents to minimize the spread of these viruses, urging hand washing, mask-wearing, and vaccinations, including the updated flu and COVID vaccines for the 2025-2026 season. If you have the misfortune of feeling under the weather, the health department’s guidance couldn’t be clearer: stay home.
In response to the rising viral levels, the Monroe County Health Department has maintained a supply of free at-home COVID tests, which can be acquired at the Health Building located at 119 W. 7th St. in Bloomington. This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to keep the community informed and equipped to deal with the high virus activity registered in the local wastewater surveillance.
