Enterovirus D68 Concentrations Have Risen in Bay Area

Wastewater surveillance shows higher levels of the respiratory virus across parts of the California Bay Area.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Diseases — General

Flat opaque gouache-painted illustration of a large industrial water pipe junction, evoking public health monitoring. — Wastewater monitoring in the California Bay Area has detected increased levels of Enterovirus D68, a respiratory virus that typically spikes in late summer. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Municipal wastewater monitoring has detected elevated levels of Enterovirus D68 in Palo Alto, Napa, Southeast San Francisco, and San Rafael. The virus, which typically spreads during late summer and early fall, can cause respiratory illness.

Why it matters

Understanding local transmission patterns helps residents identify symptoms like cough and wheezing early. While most cases are mild, the virus can rarely lead to acute flaccid myelitis, and no vaccine is currently available.

WastewaterSCAN monitoring detects viral fragments in municipal sewer systems, identifying EV-D68 alongside a broader family of 100 non-polio enterovirus types. These findings represent preliminary data on community-level viral presence rather than diagnostic clinical testing.

The players

WastewaterSCAN

A public health monitoring program that analyzes municipal sewage to track the prevalence of viruses in local communities.

The details

WastewaterSCAN tracks traces of the virus as it is shed by the community into municipal water systems. EV-D68 primarily spreads through physical contact with infected individuals or surfaces, underscoring the importance of rigorous hand hygiene to interrupt transmission cycles.

October 1: San Francisco recorded its first flu-related death of the current season.
Late summer and early fall: This period represents the typical window for EV-D68 circulation.

Health Landscape

This detection aligns with seasonal viral trends historically monitored following the 2014 EV-D68 outbreak. It underscores a shift toward using wastewater-based surveillance as a primary early warning system for respiratory pathogens.

Residents should monitor for respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath during this peak seasonal window. If you notice persistent respiratory distress, it is worth discussing these symptoms with your doctor to determine the appropriate care.

The takeaway

EV-D68 can cause significant respiratory symptoms, making early detection vital for vulnerable populations. Prioritize frequent handwashing and contact your physician if you or a family member experience difficulty breathing or unexplained muscle weakness.