ICMR to Expand Wastewater Virus Surveillance to 50 Indian Cities in 6 Months

In the next 6 months, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will significantly expand its wastewater surveillance program, monitoring 10 different viruses across 50 cities nationwide. This is a major expansion from the current 5 cities under surveillance.

The ICMR's goal is to establish an early warning system that can detect any rise in virus levels within communities, enabling public health authorities to respond quickly. While COVID-19 and polio are currently being monitored, the surveillance will now cover a broader range of pathogens that can cause common symptoms like fever, diarrhea, and respiratory distress.

Wastewater-based epidemiology has emerged as a powerful tool for tracking disease outbreaks. By analyzing sewage samples, authorities can gain real-time insights into infection trends, including among asymptomatic populations. This allows for more targeted interventions to contain the spread of emerging and re-emerging diseases.

The ICMR's move to scale up this surveillance nationwide underscores India's commitment to strengthening its public health infrastructure and preparedness against future pandemics. With this expanded monitoring system, the country aims to stay one step ahead of potential disease threats.