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In compliance with a federal rule, St. Louis homeowners with suspected lead pipes received letters in November from the City’s Water Division asking them to check their water service line. St. Louis City is applying for funding to replace lead service lines and needs a cost estimate. At street addresses with lead pipes, it is unlikely that lead is entering tap water due to corrosion control treatment from water treatment plants, but it is still safer to replace them. The link in the letter has instructions for identifying service line material.
WHAT WE KNOW
The addresses that received one of these letters were determined from historical city records of homes that were originally built with lead pipes, and homes where the water service line material is unknown. Lead is no longer used as a water line material so newer homes did not receive a letter. The current water service line inventory for St. Louis has 9,000 homes recorded as lead status, 46,000 as non-lead status, and 58,000 as unknown.
Water service lines connect a house to the main water supply line, so the line is on the landowner’s property and is owned by the property owner. St. Louis applied for federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide financial assistance to replace these pipes.
The letter sent to homeowners contains both a link with a fact sheet and how-to-video on how to identify the material of a property’s service line. Steps include looking at the color of the pipe, a scratch test with a coin, and seeing if a fridge magnet sticks to it. Lead pipes will be gray or dull in color, shiny after a scratch test, and a strong magnet will not stick to them.
The St. Louis water department uses a corrosion control treatment in its water treatment plant to prevent lead from leaching into water. This means that even in homes with lead service lines, it is unlikely lead is entering the water. While this process lowers the risk of exposure, replacing the lead pipes completely is still the safer option.
Lead is especially harmful to children and pregnant people. More information on sources of lead exposure and ways to prevent them can be found at https://www.epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead.
UNKNOWNS
The 2024 Bipartisan Infrastructure Act requires that all lead pipes be replaced in the next ten years, but a specific start date for the replacement of water service lines is still unknown.
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In compliance with a federal rule, St. Louis homeowners with suspected lead pipes received letters in November from the City’s Water Division asking them to check their water service line. St. Louis City is applying for funding to replace lead service lines and needs a cost estimate. At street addresses with lead pipes, it is unlikely that lead is entering tap water due to corrosion control treatment from water treatment plants, but it is still safer to replace them. The link in the letter has instructions for identifying service line material.
WHAT WE KNOW
The addresses that received one of these letters were determined from historical city records of homes that were originally built with lead pipes, and homes where the water service line material is unknown. Lead is no longer used as a water line material so newer homes did not receive a letter. The current water service line inventory for St. Louis has 9,000 homes recorded as lead status, 46,000 as non-lead status, and 58,000 as unknown.
Water service lines connect a house to the main water supply line, so the line is on the landowner’s property and is owned by the property owner. St. Louis applied for federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide financial assistance to replace these pipes.
The letter sent to homeowners contains both a link with a fact sheet and how-to-video on how to identify the material of a property’s service line. Steps include looking at the color of the pipe, a scratch test with a coin, and seeing if a fridge magnet sticks to it. Lead pipes will be gray or dull in color, shiny after a scratch test, and a strong magnet will not stick to them.
The St. Louis water department uses a corrosion control treatment in its water treatment plant to prevent lead from leaching into water. This means that even in homes with lead service lines, it is unlikely lead is entering the water. While this process lowers the risk of exposure, replacing the lead pipes completely is still the safer option.
Lead is especially harmful to children and pregnant people. More information on sources of lead exposure and ways to prevent them can be found at https://www.epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead.
UNKNOWNS
The 2024 Bipartisan Infrastructure Act requires that all lead pipes be replaced in the next ten years, but a specific start date for the replacement of water service lines is still unknown.
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This is true but expected during fall and winter months. The most up-to-date number of local cases is usually available on local or state health department websites, and national numbers are reported on the CDC website. Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines are effective for preventing serious illness from these diseases. At-home tests are available for COVID-19 and flu.
WHAT WE KNOW
Flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases are higher than they were in the summer months, but this is a normal seasonal trend for respiratory diseases. Public health experts expect hospitalizations for these three diseases to be lower or similar to last year.
Vaccines can help prevent severe respiratory diseases, and the COVID-19 and Flu vaccines are available at most pharmacies. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines with some rare exceptions. RSV vaccines are recommended for adults ages 75 and older, or those 65-74 at an increased risk of disease.
Over the counter medications such as nasal sprays with phenylephrine can help reduce a stuffy nose (congestion), but medications taken by mouth (oral) with phenylephrine are not effective.
If you feel sick or start having symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, stay home and away from others for 24 hours or until you no longer have a fever and your other symptoms are improving.
UNKNOWNS
Respiratory disease cases vary locally. Some states get outbreaks at different times than others.
Sometimes respiratory disease case data is not available in real time.
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YOU CAN SAY THIS...
This is true but expected during fall and winter months. The most up-to-date number of local cases is usually available on local or state health department websites, and national numbers are reported on the CDC website. Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines are effective for preventing serious illness from these diseases. At-home tests are available for COVID-19 and flu.
WHAT WE KNOW
Flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases are higher than they were in the summer months, but this is a normal seasonal trend for respiratory diseases. Public health experts expect hospitalizations for these three diseases to be lower or similar to last year.
Vaccines can help prevent severe respiratory diseases, and the COVID-19 and Flu vaccines are available at most pharmacies. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines with some rare exceptions. RSV vaccines are recommended for adults ages 75 and older, or those 65-74 at an increased risk of disease.
Over the counter medications such as nasal sprays with phenylephrine can help reduce a stuffy nose (congestion), but medications taken by mouth (oral) with phenylephrine are not effective.
If you feel sick or start having symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, stay home and away from others for 24 hours or until you no longer have a fever and your other symptoms are improving.
UNKNOWNS
Respiratory disease cases vary locally. Some states get outbreaks at different times than others.
Sometimes respiratory disease case data is not available in real time.
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Latest info suggests this claim is true
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Norovirus cases are higher than usual for this time of year. Norovirus is highly contagious and causes vomiting and diarrhea that lasts 2-3 days. A small amount of the virus is enough to make someone sick. It is spread through contaminated food and surfaces. Public health experts are still learning about the cause of the increase. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers may not kill the virus, so the best prevention is washing hands often with soap and water.
WHAT WE KNOW
A CDC norovirus monitoring program in 14 states shows higher than usual norovirus levels for this time of year. During the first week of the New Year’s holiday, nearly 28% of norovirus tests returned positive, more than double the 13.52% peak positivity rate seen in March 2024.
A CDC norovirus monitoring program in 14 states shows higher than usual norovirus levels for this time of year. During the first week of January, about 28% of tests were positive for norovirus, which was double the 14% test positivity rate seen in March 2024.
Norovirus is highly contagious, and human immunity to norovirus doesn’t last very long – 6 months to 2 years -- after someone gets sick. The virus can have genetic variations every year which makes it more likely people who had it before could get sick again. For these reasons, it is not unusual for norovirus cases to be higher than usual in some years.
People can be contagious with norovirus before they get sick or after they start to feel better. It is important to continue to limit contact with others at least 2 days after symptoms stop to avoid spreading the virus.
People can also get the virus from contaminated food like oysters, shellfish, and leafy greens. To help prevent getting norovirus from contaminated food, cook shellfish and oysters to a temperature of 145 degrees, wash fruits and vegetables, and disinfect surfaces that unwashed produce or raw shellfish have touched.
UNKNOWNS
There is not enough data to tell if the norovirus illnesses are more severe this year, and more data is needed to confirm if a different strain of norovirus is causing the increase in cases.
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Norovirus cases are higher than usual for this time of year. Norovirus is highly contagious and causes vomiting and diarrhea that lasts 2-3 days. A small amount of the virus is enough to make someone sick. It is spread through contaminated food and surfaces. Public health experts are still learning about the cause of the increase. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers may not kill the virus, so the best prevention is washing hands often with soap and water.
WHAT WE KNOW
A CDC norovirus monitoring program in 14 states shows higher than usual norovirus levels for this time of year. During the first week of the New Year’s holiday, nearly 28% of norovirus tests returned positive, more than double the 13.52% peak positivity rate seen in March 2024.
A CDC norovirus monitoring program in 14 states shows higher than usual norovirus levels for this time of year. During the first week of January, about 28% of tests were positive for norovirus, which was double the 14% test positivity rate seen in March 2024.
Norovirus is highly contagious, and human immunity to norovirus doesn’t last very long – 6 months to 2 years -- after someone gets sick. The virus can have genetic variations every year which makes it more likely people who had it before could get sick again. For these reasons, it is not unusual for norovirus cases to be higher than usual in some years.
People can be contagious with norovirus before they get sick or after they start to feel better. It is important to continue to limit contact with others at least 2 days after symptoms stop to avoid spreading the virus.
People can also get the virus from contaminated food like oysters, shellfish, and leafy greens. To help prevent getting norovirus from contaminated food, cook shellfish and oysters to a temperature of 145 degrees, wash fruits and vegetables, and disinfect surfaces that unwashed produce or raw shellfish have touched.
UNKNOWNS
There is not enough data to tell if the norovirus illnesses are more severe this year, and more data is needed to confirm if a different strain of norovirus is causing the increase in cases.
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Latest info suggests this claim is true
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Pneumonia cases caused by M. pneumoniae, often called “walking pneumonia,” are increasing since late spring of 2024, especially among children. Symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, and a persistent cough that gets worse over time. Younger children may have different symptoms like diarrhea, sneezing, sore throat, vomiting, watery eyes, a runny nose and wheezing. Parents should take their child to a healthcare provider if they develop persistent or worsening symptoms like those described above.
WHAT WE KNOW
“Walking pneumonia” is a form of mild pneumonia often caused by the bacteria M. pneumoniae. It is called “walking pneumonia” because people may seem better than expected for someone with a lung infection.
The respiratory disease is spread through inhaling droplets after someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be spread by touching a contaminated surface then touching your eyes, mouth or nose.
The cases of pneumonia caused by M. pneumoniae have increased over the past six months among all age groups but highest among children 2-4 years. This increase is notable for young children because pneumoniae in this age group was historically not caused by M. pneumoniae and the bacteria typically affected school aged children and young adults.
M. pneumoniae infections are typically mild, but can lead to severe complications in some cases. Preventative measures for walking pneumonia are the same as other respiratory viruses and include washing hands often and covering coughs and sneezes.
UNKNOWNS
Researchers are still learning why the rates of M. pneumoniae increased in young children when it has historically been seen mainly in school aged children and young adults.
Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent M. pneumoniae infection, but research is ongoing.
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YOU CAN SAY THIS...
Pneumonia cases caused by M. pneumoniae, often called “walking pneumonia,” are increasing since late spring of 2024, especially among children. Symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, and a persistent cough that gets worse over time. Younger children may have different symptoms like diarrhea, sneezing, sore throat, vomiting, watery eyes, a runny nose and wheezing. Parents should take their child to a healthcare provider if they develop persistent or worsening symptoms like those described above.
WHAT WE KNOW
“Walking pneumonia” is a form of mild pneumonia often caused by the bacteria M. pneumoniae. It is called “walking pneumonia” because people may seem better than expected for someone with a lung infection.
The respiratory disease is spread through inhaling droplets after someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be spread by touching a contaminated surface then touching your eyes, mouth or nose.
The cases of pneumonia caused by M. pneumoniae have increased over the past six months among all age groups but highest among children 2-4 years. This increase is notable for young children because pneumoniae in this age group was historically not caused by M. pneumoniae and the bacteria typically affected school aged children and young adults.
M. pneumoniae infections are typically mild, but can lead to severe complications in some cases. Preventative measures for walking pneumonia are the same as other respiratory viruses and include washing hands often and covering coughs and sneezes.
UNKNOWNS
Researchers are still learning why the rates of M. pneumoniae increased in young children when it has historically been seen mainly in school aged children and young adults.
Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent M. pneumoniae infection, but research is ongoing.
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In compliance with a federal rule, St. Louis homeowners with suspected lead pipes received letters in November from the City’s Water Division asking them to check their water service line. St. Louis City is applying for funding to replace lead service lines and needs a cost estimate. At street addresses with lead pipes, it is unlikely that lead is entering tap water due to corrosion control treatment from water treatment plants, but it is still safer to replace them. The link in the letter has instructions for identifying service line material.
WHAT WE KNOW
The addresses that received one of these letters were determined from historical city records of homes that were originally built with lead pipes, and homes where the water service line material is unknown. Lead is no longer used as a water line material so newer homes did not receive a letter. The current water service line inventory for St. Louis has 9,000 homes recorded as lead status, 46,000 as non-lead status, and 58,000 as unknown.
Water service lines connect a house to the main water supply line, so the line is on the landowner’s property and is owned by the property owner. St. Louis applied for federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide financial assistance to replace these pipes.
The letter sent to homeowners contains both a link with a fact sheet and how-to-video on how to identify the material of a property’s service line. Steps include looking at the color of the pipe, a scratch test with a coin, and seeing if a fridge magnet sticks to it. Lead pipes will be gray or dull in color, shiny after a scratch test, and a strong magnet will not stick to them.
The St. Louis water department uses a corrosion control treatment in its water treatment plant to prevent lead from leaching into water. This means that even in homes with lead service lines, it is unlikely lead is entering the water. While this process lowers the risk of exposure, replacing the lead pipes completely is still the safer option.
Lead is especially harmful to children and pregnant people. More information on sources of lead exposure and ways to prevent them can be found at https://www.epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead.
UNKNOWNS
The 2024 Bipartisan Infrastructure Act requires that all lead pipes be replaced in the next ten years, but a specific start date for the replacement of water service lines is still unknown.
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This is true but expected during fall and winter months. The most up-to-date number of local cases is usually available on local or state health department websites, and national numbers are reported on the CDC website. Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines are effective for preventing serious illness from these diseases. At-home tests are available for COVID-19 and flu.
WHAT WE KNOW
Flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases are higher than they were in the summer months, but this is a normal seasonal trend for respiratory diseases. Public health experts expect hospitalizations for these three diseases to be lower or similar to last year.
Vaccines can help prevent severe respiratory diseases, and the COVID-19 and Flu vaccines are available at most pharmacies. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines with some rare exceptions. RSV vaccines are recommended for adults ages 75 and older, or those 65-74 at an increased risk of disease.
Over the counter medications such as nasal sprays with phenylephrine can help reduce a stuffy nose (congestion), but medications taken by mouth (oral) with phenylephrine are not effective.
If you feel sick or start having symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, stay home and away from others for 24 hours or until you no longer have a fever and your other symptoms are improving.
UNKNOWNS
Respiratory disease cases vary locally. Some states get outbreaks at different times than others.
Sometimes respiratory disease case data is not available in real time.
SOURCES
HEARD IT
heard this concern.
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Norovirus cases are higher than usual for this time of year. Norovirus is highly contagious and causes vomiting and diarrhea that lasts 2-3 days. A small amount of the virus is enough to make someone sick. It is spread through contaminated food and surfaces. Public health experts are still learning about the cause of the increase. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers may not kill the virus, so the best prevention is washing hands often with soap and water.
WHAT WE KNOW
A CDC norovirus monitoring program in 14 states shows higher than usual norovirus levels for this time of year. During the first week of the New Year’s holiday, nearly 28% of norovirus tests returned positive, more than double the 13.52% peak positivity rate seen in March 2024.
A CDC norovirus monitoring program in 14 states shows higher than usual norovirus levels for this time of year. During the first week of January, about 28% of tests were positive for norovirus, which was double the 14% test positivity rate seen in March 2024.
Norovirus is highly contagious, and human immunity to norovirus doesn’t last very long – 6 months to 2 years -- after someone gets sick. The virus can have genetic variations every year which makes it more likely people who had it before could get sick again. For these reasons, it is not unusual for norovirus cases to be higher than usual in some years.
People can be contagious with norovirus before they get sick or after they start to feel better. It is important to continue to limit contact with others at least 2 days after symptoms stop to avoid spreading the virus.
People can also get the virus from contaminated food like oysters, shellfish, and leafy greens. To help prevent getting norovirus from contaminated food, cook shellfish and oysters to a temperature of 145 degrees, wash fruits and vegetables, and disinfect surfaces that unwashed produce or raw shellfish have touched.
UNKNOWNS
There is not enough data to tell if the norovirus illnesses are more severe this year, and more data is needed to confirm if a different strain of norovirus is causing the increase in cases.
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heard this concern.
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Pneumonia cases caused by M. pneumoniae, often called “walking pneumonia,” are increasing since late spring of 2024, especially among children. Symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, and a persistent cough that gets worse over time. Younger children may have different symptoms like diarrhea, sneezing, sore throat, vomiting, watery eyes, a runny nose and wheezing. Parents should take their child to a healthcare provider if they develop persistent or worsening symptoms like those described above.
WHAT WE KNOW
“Walking pneumonia” is a form of mild pneumonia often caused by the bacteria M. pneumoniae. It is called “walking pneumonia” because people may seem better than expected for someone with a lung infection.
The respiratory disease is spread through inhaling droplets after someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be spread by touching a contaminated surface then touching your eyes, mouth or nose.
The cases of pneumonia caused by M. pneumoniae have increased over the past six months among all age groups but highest among children 2-4 years. This increase is notable for young children because pneumoniae in this age group was historically not caused by M. pneumoniae and the bacteria typically affected school aged children and young adults.
M. pneumoniae infections are typically mild, but can lead to severe complications in some cases. Preventative measures for walking pneumonia are the same as other respiratory viruses and include washing hands often and covering coughs and sneezes.
UNKNOWNS
Researchers are still learning why the rates of M. pneumoniae increased in young children when it has historically been seen mainly in school aged children and young adults.
Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent M. pneumoniae infection, but research is ongoing.
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