Avian Flu Detected in Wastewater Across 10 Texas Cities

Researchers found H5N1 virus in urban sewage, raising concerns about potential spread from animal sources.

H5N1 virus was detected in the wastewater of 10 Texas cities between March 4 and July 15, 2024, using virome sequencing.
The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed the virus in 100 out of 399 samples from 22 of 23 sites.
Despite the widespread detection in wastewater, there was no correlation with influenza-related hospitalizations, indicating low public health risk.
Researchers suggest the virus likely originated from animal sources, emphasizing the need for continued surveillance to monitor potential human adaptation.
The Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute (TEPHI) has been using wastewater monitoring since May 2022 to track over 400 human and animal viruses.