Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) uses standard molecular techniques to track SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, shed into the sewer system by infected individuals. WBE has numerous advantages over traditional metrics (such as hospitalizations and clinical cases) including the ability to detect both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, identify infection hotspots within a community, and screen for new variants of concern in an entire community with a single sample. Additionally, WBE does not suffer from biases such as unequal access to testing and testing fatigue/avoidance. These strengths allow WBE to provide a cost-effective and unbiased report of communal health. In this presentation, Tyler Radniecki and Christine Kelly will discuss the WBE journey from a small research project to a state-wide surveillance program in cooperation with the Oregon Health Authority, OSU’s TRACE program, and wastewater utilities across the state.  

Attendance at this virtual event may qualify for professional development hours for the Oregon Professional Engineering license. For more information: oregonengineers.com.

For questions or event access assistance: engineering.events@oregonstate.edu.