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Kentucky groups use wastewater testing in Mayfield to detect COVID-19 outbreaks early
MAYFIELD, KY — It's a different approach to use wastewater to stop a COVID-19 outbreak, but that's what local groups are doing.
The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky has partnered with Murray State University, Graves County Health Department, Mayfield Electric and Water Systems, and the University of Louisville-Co Immunity Project.
Dr. Bikram Subedi is an assistant professor of analytical chemistry at Murray State University. He has been sampling wastewater at the Mayfield Wastewater Treatment Plant for years.
He said this COVID-19-related project began in early November, yielding preliminary data.
"We know so far the preliminary data for the last two months that shows a very strong correlation between the virus copies in wastewater with the clinical cases, the reported clinical cases," said Subedi.