Odisha to test sewage water for early detection of viruses

BHUBANESHWAR: The Government of Odisha has decided to thoroughly check sewage water for early detection of SARS-CoV2 and its newer variants, even though COVID-19 cases in India have been on a constant decline. The study will be conducted in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri keeping in view the floating population. The study will be extended to Rourkela and Berhampur too. The surveillance will be carried out by the Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) in collaboration with the Health and Family Welfare division and Housing and Urban Development division.

The decision of a comprehensive checking of sewage on detection of viruses was taken at a high-level meeting with public health experts from AIIMS, Institute of Life Sciences, Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital, Regional Medical Research Centre, Orissa Water Supply and Sewerage Board.

Dr Niranjan Mishra, Director of Public Health, Government of Odisha, stated that over the previous year, studies have proven the presence of novel coronavirus in toilet water that goes through a drainage system to a treatment facility. Testing sewage water will act as an early indicator of a potential outbreak. Scientists can use the RT-PCR methodology to detect and quantify RNA from SARS-CoV2 or other viruses through sewage samples from wastewater.