Wastewater Could Help Us Move From A Pandemic To Endemic State

The CDC is using wastewater surveillance to track COVID-19 trends in communities. This method detects the SARS-CoV-2 virus in wastewater, providing early indicators of infection rates. The CDC's Wastewater Tracker collects data from 400 sites across 19 states. Researchers, like those at Stanford University, believe this can help transition from pandemic to endemic states by detecting low levels of COVID-19. However, interpreting wastewater data has challenges. The CDC plans to expand this surveillance to include other health threats like influenza and E. coli.

What is the primary purpose of the CDC's wastewater surveillance system?

• To detect new strains of viruses

• To track individual health records

• To measure water pollution levels

• To monitor the spread of COVID-19 in communities

How does the human body contribute to the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in wastewater?

• By shedding the virus in stool

• Through respiratory droplets

• Through saliva

• Via skin contact

What is one potential benefit of using wastewater surveillance according to Alexandria Boehm?

• It can predict future pandemics

• It can replace all other forms of COVID-19 testing

• It can help detect low levels of COVID-19 in communities

• It can eliminate COVID-19 completely

What is a challenge mentioned regarding the interpretation of wastewater data?

• The data is too expensive to collect

• The data cannot be compared between different sites

• The data is always inaccurate

• The data is only available annually

What additional health threats does the CDC plan to monitor using wastewater surveillance by the end of the year?

• All known viruses

• Influenza, E coli, and salmonella

• Heart disease and diabetes

• Only COVID-19