A0475
Title: Respiratory virus season surveillance in the United States using wastewater metrics, 2023-2024
Authors: Elana Chan - Stanford University (United States) [presenting]
Alexandria Boehm - Stanford University (United States)
Abstract: Wastewater measurements represent an entire contributing population and can be available within 24 hours. Enhanced information about disease occurrence can improve population health through better timing of policies and interventions. Seasonal occurrence patterns for common respiratory viruses were inferred alongside transmission dynamics for SARS-CoV-2 across the USA using wastewater samples. RNA concentrations of influenza A and B (IAV/IBV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (HMPV), and SARS-CoV-2 were measured in wastewater samples from 175 treatment plants (July 2023 to June 2024). For IAV, IBV, RSV, and HMPV, epidemic onset, offset, peak, and duration at national and subnational scales were determined. For SARS-CoV-2, wastewater measurements were categorized based on recent wastewater levels and trends. Epidemic onset occurred in November for IAV and RSV, which aligned with pre-pandemic norms. Onset occurred in January for IBV and April for HMPV, which were later than expected, according to historical data. The duration was longer for IAV and shorter for IBV, RSV, and HMPV than expected based on historical data. Epidemic peak dates were consistent with pre=pandemic norms for all viruses. Peak dates for influenza and RSV coincided with high, upward-trending SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations, suggesting potential co-occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 with these viruses.
