Lab Matters Fall 2024 | Page 25

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH pathogens with low innate concentration in wastewater , such as influenza .

Network Optimization through Collaboration

APHL Training Opportunity

APHL is excited to announce the development of our wastewater surveillance peer-to-peer training program . Starting soon , APHL will sponsor laboratories to visit not only CoEs but also other peers to learn more about their wastewater surveillance workflow . If you are interested in hosting a peer laboratory or attending a site visit , please email eh @ aphl . org .

The CoEs are working with their utility , health department , academic and other partners to determine how wastewater surveillance can be used in a multitude of approaches and scales . California is building capacity at the local health department level to expand a statewide municipal network and is developing a response plan for H5N1 surveillance , intended to be adaptable to similar future outbreak scenarios . Colorado and Houston have developed plans for scaling testing up or down based on routine sentinel site detection levels as well as strategic testing at long-term care facilities and schools . Wisconsin is evaluating surveillance approaches at the building level and at large-scale , time-limited events .

Mentoring Opportunities

All four CoEs are available to mentor other jurisdictions , both in person and remotely . Visits can focus on specific aspects of or the full workflow . Reach out to NWSS @ cdc . gov to be connected with your jurisdiction ’ s CoE . g

Audience at the California Water Environment Federation Workshop on June 5 that focused on utility support and public health communication . Photo credit : Jenny Sabater / WEF