News

Nebraska DHHS using genomic and wastewater surveillance to track COVID-19

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services announces the use of two tools to track COVID-19.
Image
(John Minchillo | AP)

LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) - The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announces the use of two tools to track COVID-19.

The DHHS says it will begin the development and implementation of genomic and wastewater surveillance to monitor COVID-19 cases and variants across the state.

“The better we are able to track and study COVID-19 and future viruses, the better we can respond to emerging threats,” said Dr. Matthew Donahue, State Epidemiologist for DHHS. “These tools will help enhance our surveillance infrastructure to effectively respond to outbreaks now and in the future.”

Genomic surveillance involves tracking the spread of a disease in a population. Experts sequence the genetic code of the virus to understand how it evolves over time.

DHHS officials say this method will help health experts estimate how prevalent COVID-19 variants are in the state’s population. The method can also help determine if a variant causes mild or severe disease, or if a vaccine works effectively against them.

Wastewater surveillance involves monitoring COVID-19 in wastewater. The DHHS says COVID-19 is shed in the feces of infected individuals, and concentrations of the virus can be measured by sampling wastewater at treatment plants. Measuring the levels of COVID-19 in wastewater helps health officials determine if case numbers are increasing or decreasing.

The DHHS is partnering with the University of Nebraska and wastewater utilities across the state to monitor COVID-19 in wastewater.

“DHHS and stakeholders throughout the State are continuing our close partnerships developed during the pandemic to ensure we are collaborating and using every available tool to protect the well-being of all Nebraskans,” said DHHS CEO Dannette Smith.

Upcoming Events

Missouri governor repeals paid sick leave law approved last year by voters

Independent Dan Osborn launches new US Senate bid to challenge Nebraska Republican Pete Ricketts

Appeals court rules against North Dakota tribes in voting rights case that could go to Supreme Court

Rural hospitals brace for financial hits or even closure under Republicans' $1 trillion Medicaid cut

NCAA's House settlement era begins, shaking up college athletics as some schools opt out

Nebraska Republican Rep. Don Bacon cites political dysfunction in deciding not to seek reelection

Colorado sports notes: Rockies score winning run on wild pitch, snap a 3-game skid with a 3-2 victory over the Reds

Athletes Unlimited Softball League pleased with progress a month into inaugural season

Legendary Shickley coach Dan Sorge inducted into NHSACA Hall of Fame

Former Cougar Paul Panduro signs professional baseball contract

Colorado sports notes: Yoshida leads Red Sox to sweep of Rockies with 10-2 win

Sidney Juniors sweep Twin-Bill, Hosts Area Tournament this Weekend

State Department is firing more than 1,300 staff on Friday

David Gergen, political insider who advised four presidents of both parties, dies at 83

Deputy FBI Director Bongino has told people he is considering resigning amid Epstein files fallout, sources say

Trump looks to quash criticism on natural disaster response during Texas visit

Court rules former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had authority to throw out plea deals for 9/11 alleged conspirators

Trump says he struck deal to send US weapons to Ukraine through NATO

The best movies of 2025 so far

The movies leaving Hulu this month

Movies and TV shows casting across the US

Global Times: Fashion textile expert finds passion in decoding ancient silk legacy

The movies leaving Netflix this month

Herf Apparel Announces Sleek All-Black Leather Cigar Case in Major Product Expansion