Wastewater-based Epidemiology for Averting COVID-19 Outbreaks on The University of Arizona Campus

Abstract

AbstractThe University of Arizona utilized wastewater-based epidemiology paired with clinical testing as a surveillance strategy to monitor COVID-19 prevalence in a dormitory community. Positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in wastewater led to prompt testing of all residents and the identification and isolation of three infected individuals which averted potential disease transmission.TextWastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) utilizes concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage to monitor population-level COVID-19 infections (1–3). Currently, WBE is a promising indicator to support public health decisions (3,4). In this case study, WBE was used to detect a COVID-19 outbreak in a student dormitory (henceforth Dorm A) at the University of Arizona (UArizona).The StudyUArizona incorporated wastewater surveillance as a potential early-warning tool for COVID-19 outbreaks on campus. Grab samples (1L) were collected from a sewer manhole specific to Dorm A, between August 18-31 to monitor SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater. Upon positive detection of viral RNA in wastewater samples, clinical testing was conducted on every individual living in the dorm. UArizona performed two clinical testing modalities, antigen (1 hour turnaround) test via anterior nasal swab and RT-PCR (48-72 hour turnaround) via nasopharyngeal swab samples. Individuals were subject to clinical testing via two routes: Campus Health Services (CHS) if experiencing symptoms or Test All Test Smart (TATS) regardless of symptoms. Refer to Appendix for method details.Article Summary LineWastewater-based epidemiology with subsequent clinical testing identified individuals infected with COVID-19 living in a dormitory and further spread of disease was prevented with public health action.