Wastewater-Based Epidemiology for Early Detection of Viral Outbreaks

Abstract

The significant global challenge posed by outbreaks of infectious diseases and the necessity for developing predictive and preventive systems has been acknowledged by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the worldwide community of scientists. Notwithstanding numerous attempts, this pathogenic load continues to escalate. It has been stated that annually, from 1.4 to 10 million individuals succumb to Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE), with diarrheal illnesses ranked among the top 15 leading causes of mortality globally. The anticipated issues of rapid population increase, warming temperatures, natural catastrophes, immigration, internationalization, and associated sanitation and disposal concerns will exacerbate the situation in the forthcoming years.