By Karen in COVID — 20 Aug 2025

Wastewater Wednesday - 8/20/25

On this second-to-last Wednesday before the school year kicks off, things are not looking great. Between new research about COVID's links to genomic instability (yes, that's as bad as it sounds), its ability to re-activate sleeping cancer cells, and the part where Long COVID is now more common in children than asthma, it's more important than ever to minimize the number of times this virus gets you.

The best way to do that is with the Swiss Cheese Approach:

Long COVID Defense Guide by MaskTogetherAmerica. The Swiss Cheese Layered Approach recognizes that certain strategies might not be accessible or feasible for everyone. More tools provide more options and protection. There is a picture of 14 slices of swiss cheese, being bombarded by virus particles on the left, progressively few of which get through the holes because not all the holes are lined up. At the end is a group of five people of various ages wearing masks except for an infant. None of the viral particles have reached them. Each slice of swiss cheese has a label. 1. Check wastewater viral activity levels in your community. 2. High-quality masks. 3. Go virtual. 4. Ventilation + Filtration - move events outdoors with precautions. 5. Isolate + test when exposed. 6. Isolate + test when symptoms present. 7. Up to date with vaccines. 8. If infected, seek early treatment + car. 9. Rest, pause exercise, pace yourself. 10. Test negative twice, 48hrs apart, before leaving isolation. 11. Self-diagnosis for Long COVID. 12. Seek Diagnosis + Care from Long COVID clinics. 13. Community support. 14. Prevent future reinfection.

Now let's get to number 1 - checking the wastewater levels - because the 💩 doesn't lie!

National Data

US COVID-19 Transmission in the past year & Forecast. The graph shows a peak in mid-August 2024, followed by a drop in October-November, a lower peak in December-January, followed by a gradual decline, summer lull, and an increase which began in July 2025 and is heading steadily upwards. — Source: https://pmc19.com/data

The current wave is well underway, and the upper bound of the forecast from the Pandemic Mitigation Collaborative shows that we may get close to last winter's peak by mid-September. As the school year begins, it kicks off major increases in transmission. Remember that as much as 70% of household transmission begins with a child.

Do what you can to protect yourselves as we enter the new school year. Especially given the uncertainty about whether we'll be able to get updated vaccines, it is more important than ever to filter the air, open windows for ventilation, and wear high quality, well-fitting respirators.

Wisconsin Data

COVID-19 Wastewater Surveillance in Wisconsin graph showing an increase in early-mid August followed by a plateau with a slight hint of an increase at the end. 7 sites have a significant increase. — Source: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/wastewater.htm

So far the statewide wave appears to have plateaued, but that is masking a significant amount of variation across sewersheds. Some are still seeing major increases, some had notable spikes and then came back down. Unlike last year, I don't expect we'll see a sustained, statewide wave show up on the graph until school starts in September, but once kids are back in school all bets are off.

So again, take what precautions you can. Remember the Swiss Cheese Approach. Protect yourselves, your families, your neighbors, and your communities. Stay safe, friends, because the pandemic isn't over.

National Data

Wisconsin Data

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