Sewage monitoring as an early warning system for Corona infections

Now that several countries are easing the lockdown measures around COVID-19, it is important to set up a proper monitoring system so that the government can intervene as soon as the level of infection among the population rises again. Sewage research may be an efficient method to indicate changes in the degree of infection among the population.

Corona monitoring in sewage

Via the stools of infected people, the virus enters the sewers. Since 6 February, KWR has been measuring the concentration of RNA from SARS-CoV2 (the causative agent of COVID-19) in sewage water in various cities. As can be seen in the graph for the city of Amsterdam, we are measuring a rapidly increasing concentration in the sewage water in March. This is entirely in line with the rapidly rising line of hospital admissions. With the introduction of the lockdown, we see a flattening and then a drop in the curve. This indicates that there are fewer infections, which is confirmed by the RIVM figures.

Graph illustrating the Corona RNA concentration in sewage (orange) and the number of Corona hospital admissions in Amsterdam (source: KWR research data)

Below the ground versus above the ground

By comparing the data of the sewage water with the reported number of hospital admissions, we see a possible correlation: the higher the concentration of RNA of the virus in the sewage water, the higher the number of hospital admissions. The graph also shows that a decrease in sewage water corresponds with a decrease in hospital admissions.

Sewage research as a monitoring system in the exit strategy

Now that the population is getting more freedom of movement again, the risk of infection is also increasing. How do we make sure we get an early warning? Based on Gert Jan Medema’s research, several countries (including the Netherlands and England) are considering using sewage monitoring. Firstly, because there are indications that we can detect the virus in the sewage water sooner rather than patients reporting sick. Secondly, because not everyone who is infected actually feels sick and is tested. Third, because there seems to be a correlation between the concentration of RNA measured in sewage water and the level of infection among the population.

In the meantime, Medema says, a European initiative is underway to coordinate the monitoring and testing of sewage water in a hundred cities.

The eight o’clock news reported about the KWR research (with English subtitles):

Source: NOS.nl