Tracking the virus through human waste

Local scientists are monitoring the progression of COVID-19 by examining the amount of viral genetic material present in human waste. Host Dr. Elizabeth Allemann talks with three of the lead researchers on the Sewershed Surveillance Project: Marc Johnson, virologist with the University of Missouri; Chris Wieberg, director of the Water Protection Program with Missouri Department of Natural Resources; and Jeff Wenzel, bureau chief of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Environmental Epidemiology.

Show Notes

Further reading/resources: 

• The Sewershed Surveillance Project
• Missouri, on the hunt for the coronavirus, tests community wastewater facilities (St. Louis Post-Dispatch) 

What is Community Pulse?

Community Pulse is a special report on the unfolding coronavirus situation in mid-Missouri featuring local family physician Elizabeth Allemann, M.D. and public health advocate Ginny Chadwick. Catch it live every Monday and Wednesday at 9am on KOPN 89.5 FM or streaming at kopn.org.