The Erie County Department of Health has launched an online public health dashboard at eriecountypa.gov/health that shows statistics from the monitoring of respiratory diseases in the county, which include flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
COVID-19, Influenza A, Influenza B and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are respiratory diseases that are caused by viruses. When people are infected with these diseases, they shed the virus, which can then be measured in the wastewater (sewage).
The dashboard reports on the amounts of the viruses and COVID-19 variants found in the county’s wastewater.
It also shows the number of cases and hospitalizations for flu and RSV that have been reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Monitoring these kinds of information can help the public respond to any changes by taking action to maintain and protect their health.
The wastewater samples from Erie County, Pennsylvania are processed by Biobot Analytics. Samples are collected and processed weekly.
Collected data helps health departments to protect people and to identify, prevent, and control disease outbreaks. For questions or more info about this dashboard, email ecdhdata@eriecountypa.gov.
Staying healthy
For these respiratory diseases, the benefit of vaccination is it helps lessen the risks of getting infected, severe illness, and the need to be hospitalized. Viruses are always changing, so it is important to stay updated on your vaccines every year.
Visit vaccines.gov to find a vaccine provider near you. For questions and facts about vaccines, consult your doctor or primary healthcare provider.
Prevent the spread of diseases:
- Wash hands regularly; clean surfaces and doorknobs
- Do not share personal items such as eating or drinking utensils, toothbrushes, and towels.
- Cover mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or elbow
- Open windows for additional ventilation when possible
- If you are (or live, work or have contact with someone who is) at high risk for severe illness or have a weak
immune system, consider using masks indoors and at gatherings - To protect people who are weaker, consider testing before attending indoor gatherings. Test results can help
you make healthier decisions and actions.
