Wastewater surveillance has become a crucial tool in monitoring and predicting disease outbreaks in Detroit since 2017. This method gained widespread attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, but researchers had been exploring its potential long before the virus emerged.
At Michigan State University, an environmental virology lab has been working closely with the city of Detroit and the Great Lakes Water Authority since 2017. By testing municipal wastewater from various counties in the Greater Detroit area, researchers have been able to detect viral diseases circulating in the community. This method provides a comprehensive snapshot of the population’s health by identifying a range of viruses related to gastrointestinal, respiratory, blood-borne, and vector-borne diseases.
In 2020, the focus shifted to monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. By partnering with local health departments, engineers, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, researchers were able to detect COVID-19 peaks in the metro Detroit population five weeks before they appeared in clinical data. This early warning system has been crucial in predicting outbreaks and taking timely public health measures.
Wastewater samples contain valuable information about the health of a community. By analyzing these samples, researchers can identify various pathogens excreted by infected individuals, even before symptoms develop. This method allows for the detection of emerging infectious diseases and provides insights into disease trends within a population.
Despite its effectiveness, wastewater surveillance presents challenges in interpreting the data. Researchers must consider various factors, such as the concentration of viruses in the samples and the duration of shedding by infected individuals. Developing accurate models to predict outbreak peaks and comparing infection levels between communities is essential for effective public health decision-making.
To enhance the utility of wastewater surveillance, researchers have developed a ranking system to prioritize reportable diseases for future monitoring. By tracking trends in specific geographic locations and understanding the contagiousness of different pathogens, public health officials can allocate resources more effectively and prevent the spread of diseases.
While wastewater surveillance has advanced significantly in recent years, there is still a need for greater integration of efforts across the nation. By combining wastewater data with clinical, behavioral, social, and demographic information, researchers can improve outbreak forecasting and decision-making. Close collaboration with local health departments is essential to ensure that surveillance efforts are effectively utilized to protect public health.