Recent data from the CDC National Wastewater Surveillance System indicates very high COVID-19 activity in New Mexico, based on wastewater samples collected from Santa Fe and Bernalillo counties between Dec. 1 and Dec. 7.
In Los Alamos County, BioBot Analytics data shows COVID-19 concentrations in the Los Alamos townsite wastewater decreased from 10 million copies per liter (copies/L) on Dec. 3 to 5 million copies/L on Dec. 10. Similarly, White Rock wastewater concentrations dropped from 6.3 million copies/L on Nov. 26 to 5.7 million copies/L on Dec. 9. These represent the sixth and seventh highest peaks recorded since 2022.
BioBot data also highlights changes in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) concentrations. In Los Alamos townsite wastewater, RSV concentrations decreased from 5,439 copies/L on Dec. 3 to 3,815 copies/L on Dec. 10. However, in White Rock, RSV concentrations rose from 4,980 copies/L on Nov. 26 to 5,131 copies/L on Dec. 9. These reflect the fifth and sixth highest peaks recorded since 2022.
BioBot Analytics collects samples from Los Alamos County's two wastewater treatment plants, testing for COVID-19, RSV, and Influenza A and B. Updated results are available on the Los Alamos County website at losalamosnm.us/wastewatermonitoring.
Stay Up to Date on Vaccines
Given the presence of COVID-19 and RSV in Los Alamos County and neighboring communities, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) urges residents to stay current on all recommended vaccines, including flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines.
NMDOH Hotline for Winter Virus Prevention and Assistance with Vaccines and Treatments
The NMDOH hotline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773), connects individuals with a nurse to provide guidance on winter virus prevention, vaccine scheduling for all age groups, and assistance with treatments for individuals testing positive for COVID-19.
Free At-home COVID-19 Tests
The Department of Health and Human Services states that every U.S. household is eligible for four free at-home COVID-19 tests. Order online at https://covidtests.gov. For assistance, individuals can also call 1-800-232-0233 or TTY 888-720-7489.
NMDOH Viral Respiratory Infection Dashboard
For additional information on viral respiratory infections in New Mexico, consult the NMDOH Viral Respiratory Infection Dashboard. The dashboard provides data on emergency department visits and positive respiratory infection test results. Multiple tabs offer state and county-level data.