COVID-19.For most of the pandemic, researchers at Western University have been tracking the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 excreted in the feces of infected individuals by sampling from London’s five wastewater treatment plants.This week, the latest findings showed the first significant drop in viral load so far during the current Omicron wave.
Sewage surveillance: Wastewater could fill COVID-19 testing gaps, experts say Christopher DeGroot, an assistant professor in Western’s department of mechanical and materials engineering, as well as the co-lead researcher of the project, says the drop was first observed when comparing last Thursday’s wastewater data with last Tuesday’s.Another drop in viral load was seen in results gathered from a sample taken on Sunday.“We do believe that based on these findings that we have most likely passed the peak of Omicron infections in London,” DeGroot said.DeGroot says the findings are consistent with what’s been reported from the Middlesex-London Health Unit in regard to a potential peak in cases.During a media briefing on Tuesday, acting medical officer of health Dr.