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Omicron Variant Found in Sewage Water Accross US

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By Bethany Shepard

December 22, 2021
5:27 am
Los Angeles, CA

Scientific analysis of sewage water samples collected in California confirmed the existence of Omicron Variant genetic markers. The study, conducted by a group of researchers known as the Sewer Coronavirus Alert Network (SCAN), made public their finding and linked it to wastewater from the Sacramento and Merced metropolitan regions. This study partnership needed the cooperation of wastewater treatment facilities, their engineers, researchers and their separate labs, as well as the strict supervision of public health authorities. Their efforts have resulted in the development of a novel surveillance system for monitoring COVID infections and trends. This is particularly critical given that new strains are emerging at the rate at which Omicron did. According to Orange County Utilities, over 100% of the strains discovered in the samples were connected to the

This study partnership needed the cooperation of wastewater treatment facilities, their engineers, researchers and their separate labs, as well as the strict supervision of public health authorities. Their efforts have resulted in the development of a novel surveillance system for monitoring COVID infections and trends. This is particularly critical given that new strains are emerging at the rate at which Omicron did.

According to Orange County Utilities, over 100% of the strains discovered in the samples were connected to the Omicron variety. They were able to isolate these strains owing to a unique feature of Omicron: its frequent mutation with the Alpha Variant. Not only that, scientists were able to trace the variant’s RNA sequence despite the vast number of species found in sewage water. Researchers may get data from wastewater monitoring, which includes patients who are asymptomatic for the condition, or they can utilize home test kits.

Now, the observed abnormalities are genetic markers, not infectious viral samples. This is because the existence of these markers is simply indicative of the occurrence of COVID in the population. This does, however, suggest that the virus has been propagating among the communities from where the wastewater came. Scientists from Stanford University, the University of Michigan, and Emory University, examining sewage in California, claim they have identified signs of the omicron strain at a low level in Sacramento and Merced. Although no clinical cases have been documented in the Sacramento and Merced regions, this new data seems to suggest a possible spread of around 1 to 2 cases per 100,000 persons.

Although public health experts in Sacramento Area have not yet discovered a case, they are certain that the omicron variation is currently prevalent in the county. These wastewater data will aid in the understanding of this variant’s spread and will inform regulatory improvements.

According to the world health organization, the virus is far more infectious, it also produces significantly less severe symptoms in infected people. The World Health Organization is collaborating with technical partners to assess the variant’s possible effect on current countermeasures, including vaccinations. Given the novelty of the Omicron version, it is premature to make any conclusive conclusions at the moment.

The CDC’s current objectives are to tighten up testing for international tourists. Several steps are being considered, including mandatory PCR tests for all tourists regardless of vaccination status, as well as post-arrival testing. These initiatives are intended to act as a delaying tactic, giving legislators and policymakers adequate time to take safeguards. Otherwise, health authorities continue to urge the public to be vaccinated, get any booster doses, and use protective face masks. All of these efforts, perhaps, will allow the US enough time to adequately safeguard itself against another possible outbreak.