Wheeling Officials Detect High Levels of COVID-19, RSV, Flu A in Wastewater

Norovirus, Rotavirus, and Human Adenovirus also found in recent testing

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department has reported that recent wastewater testing in the area has detected high levels of COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Influenza A (H3), Human Metapneumovirus, and Norovirus. While Rotavirus and Human Adenovirus Group F were also found, their levels were considered elevated but low. Candida auris and Measles were not detected in the latest samples.

Why it matters

Wastewater surveillance has become an important tool for public health officials to monitor the spread of infectious diseases in a community. The elevated levels of multiple viruses and bacteria detected in Wheeling's wastewater indicate a potential surge in cases that could strain local healthcare resources and require increased prevention and mitigation efforts.

The details

The wastewater testing data comes from samples collected at the City of Wheeling's Water Treatment Plant, which serves most of Ohio County and the city of Benwood. Health officials will continue to monitor the trends through regular testing and work to inform the public and coordinate response efforts as needed.

  • The latest wastewater test results were reported on February 11, 2026.

The players

Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department

The local public health agency responsible for monitoring and responding to disease outbreaks in the Wheeling area.

City of Wheeling Water Treatment Plant

The facility that collects and processes wastewater samples for the Wheeling area, providing data to the health department.

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The takeaway

The detection of multiple infectious diseases in Wheeling's wastewater underscores the importance of continued public health vigilance and coordination between local officials and the community. Residents are encouraged to stay up-to-date on vaccination, practice good hygiene, and follow any guidance from the health department to help mitigate the spread of these illnesses.