The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad has created a wastewater surveillance system that can anticipate the commencement of a pandemic or a new outbreak of bacterial or viral illnesses two weeks in advance.
The technique, which was successfully implemented in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and first tested in Hyderabad during the initial Covid wave, demonstrated a link between surveillance data and test results two weeks later, allowing for early disease detection.
ALSO READ : Telangana Cyber Security Warns Against New Year Scams
Wastewater surveillance entails monitoring wastewater to learn about the presence and concentration of germs that cause disease in populations. Typically, samples are taken from sewage treatment plants (STPs) and open sewers. Aside from detecting SARS-CoV-2, the system can also detect poliovirus, adenoviruses, hepatitis A and E viruses, rotaviruses, bacteria, and parasites.
In August 2020, the effectiveness of the wastewater surveillance system was tested for the first time in Hyderabad. Dr. Archana Bhardwaj Siva, a senior scientist from CCMB, recently developed the early warning capability of wastewater surveillance in Prayagraj in collaboration with local administration.
In a report, Dr. Archana stated that they are looking into the prospect of using wastewater surveillance as one of the instruments for illness monitoring during the forthcoming Kumbh Mela in 2025, when Prayagraj is scheduled to host over 400 million pilgrims from all over the world.
Aside from anticipating pandemics, wastewater monitoring can be used to track illicit drug usage in some countries and estimate socio-demographic features and consumption trends in a given area.
The novel technology takes a proactive approach to public health monitoring, enabling prompt interventions and responses to possible disease outbreaks.
ALSO READ : Hyderabad Police Enforce Strict Regulations in Cyberabad region
(This story is sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Raavi Media takes no responsibility or liability of any nature. Raavi Media management/ythisnews.com can alter or delete the content without notice for any reason.)
