Rotavirus rising in California as wastewater detects local hotspots.

Wastewater monitoring shows elevated rotavirus levels in several Bay Area and other California cities, and federal data indicate increases across much of the U.S.; a recent change in federal vaccine guidance was temporarily blocked by a court.

Rotavirus detections in wastewater have increased in parts of California, according to public monitoring data. The WastewaterSCAN dashboard reports high concentrations in Marin, Redwood City, San Jose and Santa Cruz and moderate concentrations in several other Bay Area and nearby cities. The virus is known to cause diarrhea and vomiting, particularly in infants and young children, and can affect people with weakened immune systems. Federal wastewater data show rising levels nationwide since mid-December. Known facts: - WastewaterSCAN lists high rotavirus concentrations in Marin, Redwood City, San Jose and Santa Cruz, and moderate concentrations in Sacramento, Davis, San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Fremont, Vallejo and Novato. - The virus primarily affects infants and young children and also poses risks for older children and adults with weakened immune systems. - Federal data indicate rising rotavirus activity across most U.S. regions since mid-December, with elevated levels reported in the Bay Area and parts of the Northeast. - Federal vaccine guidance was revised to advise parents to discuss rotavirus vaccination with their doctors rather than endorse universal vaccination, and that updated guidance was temporarily blocked by a court last month. Summary: Wastewater monitoring shows local increases in rotavirus detections alongside broader national rises, and federal vaccine guidance has changed and is currently the subject of a legal block. Undetermined at this time.