Dramatic Spike In Virus Concentration In New Haven Wastewater

NEW HAVEN, CT — Connecting the dots, a meteorologist noted that a spike in COVID-19 infections in New Haven coincide with a dramatic increase in the virus being detected in sewage.

The SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid, known as RNA, concentration in the wastewater from metro New Haven skyrocketed in the last week, according to data from the Yale School of Public Health.

The Greater New Haven Water Pollution Control Authority is the regional sewer authority for New Haven, Hamden, East Haven and Woodbridge and also provides treatment for a portion of North Branford sewer customers.

Researchers found that the virus, when found in municipal sewage, is a predictor of infection rates.

As was pointed out by meteorologist Ryan Hanrahan Wednesday morning, the data paints a dispiriting picture.

“Discouraging news from New Haven this morning," Hanrahan wrote on Facebook. "A sharp increase in the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration in the wastewater from metro New Haven. This has been shown to be a leading indicator of a spike in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.”

This summer, more than 2 million gallons of raw sewage from the New Haven plant leaked into the Mill River and Long Island Sound, forcing officials to close beaches and shellfishing areas.