"Rising COVID-19 Cases Detected in Wastewater Samples, Experts Warn of Second-Largest Surge"

Wastewater sample data indicates a substantial increase in COVID-19 cases, with the JN.1 variant now estimated to be the cause of 61% of cases in the United States. Wastewater testing serves as an early warning system for public health professionals, allowing them to prevent outbreaks. Hospital admission rates have decreased from the beginning of the year, but varying levels of COVID-19 activity have been detected in wastewater samples across different regions. John Hopkins expects more cases due to increased travel and holiday gatherings, leading to a high amount of respiratory virus activity, including COVID-19 cases.