Missouri effort tests for new virus variants in wastewater

The onset of a new COVID-19 variant dubbed Omicron has local and state researchers continuing in their mission to detect any trace of the variant (and any potential others) in the area through wastewater samples.

Omicron was first identified by South African scientists. So far it is believed that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is more transmissible.

In the Kansas City metro, researchers are monitoring and testing wastewater for Omicron.

In February, Missouri researchers launched a wastewater program to detect viral load in water samples and identify hotspots, as well as new mutations.

Currently, water samples are collected at nearly 100 sites across the state every week and allow health officials to get an idea of virus spread in the community.

Marc Johnson is a professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia participating in the wastewater program. He says recent samples have shown the virus in the community is rising, but no signs of Omicron, yet.