What is it about?

This research study detected traces of monkeypox virus DNA in wastewater samples from Bangkok, Thailand between May and August 2022. The researchers collected wastewater from 63 locations across the city, including shopping centers, condominiums, and entertainment venues. They found monkeypox DNA in samples starting from late June, with increasing amounts detected over time. By August, 6 out of the 63 locations tested positive. Importantly, this wastewater detection preceded the first officially reported human case in Thailand by several weeks. The study demonstrates that monitoring wastewater can provide early warning of monkeypox circulation in a community, even with limited sampling.

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Why is it important?

This study demonstrates the power of wastewater-based epidemiology in detecting emerging infectious diseases like monkeypox, especially in densely populated urban areas with limited sewer infrastructure. By identifying monkeypox viral DNA in wastewater weeks before the first official case was reported, the research highlights how this method can serve as an early warning system, potentially allowing public health officials to respond more quickly to outbreaks.

Perspectives

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of wastewater-based epidemiology in detecting monkeypox virus circulation in urban environments, even with limited sampling. By identifying viral DNA in wastewater before official case reports, it underscores the potential of this approach as an early warning system for emerging infectious diseases.

Assoc. Prof. Charin Modchang
Mahidol University

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Multiple traces of monkeypox detected in non-sewered wastewater with sparse sampling from a densely populated metropolitan area in Asia, The Science of The Total Environment, February 2023, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159816.
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