Latest wastewater analyzes: Influenza and RSV viruses on the rise!

In the current health monitoring, the virus load in the waste water is particularly important. Wastewater monitoring has been carried out since 2020, which has now been expanded to include the dangerous influenza A and B and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This measure is intended to enable early detection of health threats. Since diseases from influenza and RS viruses are not subject to reporting, an increase has previously been found predominantly by increased sick leave and visits to the doctor, as reported.

Six sewage treatment plants in the country, which together cover around three quarters of the population, are responsible for the fact that the sewer samples are regularly taken and analyzed. This surveillance strategy is emphasized by Health Councilor Martina Rüscher (ÖVP) as crucial for the capture of preventive measures. In addition, the national sewage monitoring program, which has been running with 48 sewage treatment plants since September 2022, illustrates the development of the virus freight in wastewater and its importance for the pandemielage. The data that arises from these samples provide valuable information about the infection in the population, according to Wahnmonitoring.at .

virus freight and their surveillance

The evaluation of the sewage samples enables the course of the viruses, including SARS-COV-2 and other variants. The data collected by a central laboratory since the end of the school location monitoring in September 2022 show a clear structure in data collection. The samples from 48 sewage treatment plants currently include over 58% of the Austrian population. Based on the virus freight, a trend analysis can be created, which provides information about the climbs or declines of the infection figures. A trend indicator of one means an increase in virus load. ”,“

This preventive analysis is not only limited to Covid-19, but now also includes other types of virus that are important for public health. The percentage of the various virus variants in the wastewater is also documented, so that changes in the virus landscape can be reacted quickly, which further promotes the health of the population.