More than four years have passed since the Corona epidemic started in late 2019, during which many mutations occurred in the virus. At present, the risk of JN.1 sub-variant originating from the Omicron variant of Corona is being seen globally. This variant has spread to more than 40 countries in a very short time.
According to the report of the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 10 thousand people died worldwide in December due to Corona infection. Given the rapid increase in cases of infection in many countries, there are fears of another possible wave there.
Since the beginning of the Corona pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 has been considered a respiratory infection virus. According to studies, this virus is mainly transmitted through air, although in recent reports, scientists have made big claims regarding the transmission of the virus. Scientists said coronavirus can be present in the air as well as in wastewater through which there can be a risk of infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that wastewater in Midwestern states may contain high levels of the virus, raising concerns among experts.
Corona threat from wastewater
Can Corona be present in wastewater also? The team of scientists studying this matter said that high levels of coronavirus have been seen in the waste water tests conducted at many places. This test was designed to provide an early warning system so that the risk of corona in a place can be understood and reduced.
The CDC started the wastewater testing program in 2020 as a way to help health departments prepare for a potential surge in coronavirus cases.
The virus can live in wastewater
Researchers tested water from toilets, sinks, and showers across the country to find out what types of wastewater may contain Corona. Scientists believed that the virus could spread through infected people even if they did not have symptoms. There is also a risk of transmission of the virus through the water they use. Scientists found that coronavirus can also persist for a long time in wastewater.
What do researchers say?
Dr. Alex Garza, chief community health officer for SSM Health in Missouri, says the discovery of coronavirus in wastewater may be a cause for concern, but it is not a reason to panic. Test results show that the virus may be present in large quantities around a community, with exposure through the air as well as through wastewater.
But till now there has not been much risk of the spread of Corona through this medium.
Corona and its risk
Scientists say wastewater can also be an indicator of the spread and risks of corona.
The latest COVID-19 variant, JN.1, accounts for almost half of the current coronavirus cases in the country. It spreads more easily from person to person than earlier variants, but it does not make most people seriously ill. This research shows that coronavirus can cause infection not only through the air but through other means, but what is the risk, are people also getting this infection by coming in contact with contaminated water, More research is needed in this regard.
CDC and major health organizations are continuously working in this direction.
(PC: iStock)
