Source: TH
Context: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is set to expand wastewater surveillance for 10 viruses across 50 Indian cities within the next six months.
About Wastewater Surveillance
What it is
- Wastewater Surveillance, also called Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE), is a method of tracking pathogens excreted by humans into sewage systems.
- It provides community-level insights into disease prevalence, even before clinical symptoms appear.
- To establish an early warning system for viral outbreaks.
- To monitor emerging and re-emerging pathogens in a cost-effective and non-invasive way.
- To help policymakers design timely interventions, vaccination drives, and containment strategies.
- Currently: COVID-19 virus, Polio virus.
- Planned expansion: Avian Influenza Virus (AIV), and pathogens linked to fever, diarrhoea, acute encephalitis syndrome, and respiratory illnesses.
- In total: 10 viruses will be tracked.
Coverage
- Present coverage: 5 cities.
- Planned expansion: 50 cities over six months.
- National scaling up will strengthen India’s epidemic preparedness and pandemic prevention capacity.
Process of Wastewater Surveillance
- Shedding of Pathogens – Infected individuals release virus particles through urine, stool, or while washing.
- Sewage Collection – Samples are taken from sewage before treatment.
- Laboratory Testing – Samples are tested for viral RNA/DNA fragments.
- Data Analysis – Trends in infection spread are identified within 5–7 days.
- Public Health Action – Authorities use results for outbreak warnings, vaccination, and resource allocation.
