COVID Effect. Wastewater Surveillance

What is happening? Colorado is the 1st state moving toward statewide waste water surveillance. For Texans, Harris county has surveyed its wastewater through the pandemic.

Why is this important? 50% of people with COVID will shed RNA in feces without regard to whether the person has any symptoms of COVID. Colorado is putting the data on a public dashboard.

How will this be important? Epidemiologists say wastewater can offer an early warning sign about where covid spread is highest. It’s cost effective. Was successful overseas in the fight against polio, and has been successful in Colorado universities where dorms waste is surveyed, when rates are high students are tested and infected students isolated, thereby slowing rapid spread of COVID.

Colorado Public Radio via Route Fifty | Colorado Moves Toward Statewide Coverage of Wastewater Surveillance