Hunter New England health is reporting, viral fragments of COVID-19
have been detected in a recent sample from the Burwood Beach sewage treatment
plant.
The sample was taken as part of
a NSW Health research program to test sewage for traces of COVID-19 to support
the public health response to the pandemic. Sampling has commenced at a number
of regional locations across NSW.
The positive sewage result
means that someone who has been infected is shedding the virus.
Infected
people’s stools may contain viral fragments, and shedding can extend for
several weeks beyond the person’s infectious period.
Dr David Durrheim, Hunter New
England Health’s Public Health Controller for the COVID-19 response, said the
positive result was not unexpected and supports the need for vigilance and
testing.
“With recent cases of COVID-19
identified in this wastewater catchment, which includes the Newcastle City area
and surrounding suburbs of Dudley, Charlestown, Jesmond, Mayfield and Carrington,
it’s really important that anyone with symptoms in these communities gets
tested,” said Dr Durrheim.
“Anyone feeling unwell – even
with the mildest of symptoms such as a runny nose or scratchy throat – must
seek testing and self-isolate until they get their result. Stay at home, and do
not go to work, the shops, or catch public transport until you are cleared of
COVID-19.
“We understand detections like
this can make people nervous about drinking water and beach swimming. Drinking
water is treated before being delivered to your tap and remains safe to drink.
“The virus is killed by usual
sewage treatment processes before it is discharged to the environment,
including ultraviolet (UV) disinfection that is used at the Burwood Beach
treatment plant. The wastewater treatment process is designed to inactivate
(kill) or remove even the toughest microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria
and protozoa,” he said.
Further testing will be
undertaken as the NSW Health research program continues.
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| Image Credit: Hunter Water |
