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Recent wastewater analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that New Mexico is one of four states experiencing very high levels of COVID-19 activity.
Since September 2020, the CDC has been using wastewater testing to track the spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19. This method allows health authorities to detect the virus in the population before symptoms appear and before people seek medical care.
Srikanth Paladugu, Bureau Chief for New Mexico’s Environmental Health Epidemiology Bureau, reported an increase in COVID-19 levels in wastewater since early November. Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer for the New Mexico Department of Health, emphasized that while the state has seen a significant rise in COVID-19 levels, this is not comparable to the peak of the pandemic.
“This increase represents the typical winter surge in cases, not a pandemic-level crisis,” Durham explained, noting that similar trends have been observed in Arizona, Minnesota, and Massachusetts.
Despite the high levels of COVID-19 detected in wastewater, Durham cautioned against overreacting, as this data is just one piece of the puzzle. She stressed that the overall picture, which includes COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and testing data, indicates a more manageable situation than earlier stages of the pandemic.
Paladugu acknowledged that it’s difficult to pinpoint why New Mexico is experiencing a higher prevalence of COVID-19 than other states but suggested it could be part of a peak incidence phase for the state.
While the situation is being closely monitored, Durham encouraged residents to get vaccinated for both COVID-19 and the flu, especially since vaccines are available for everyone aged six months and older. For those unsure about the vaccines or where to get them, Durham recommends contacting the Department of Health helpline. She also assured that uninsured individuals can receive vaccines at no cost through public health offices.
