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Using a unique technology, researchers can measure the presence of viruses in Gothenburg’s wastewater.
This is one of the ways in which the prevalence of winter discomfort can be predicted, and it is through this technology that you can measure the presence of coronaviruses in the wastewater of our toilets.
Significantly increased
In a collaboration between researchers at the academy and the municipal company Gryab’s treatment plant in Gothenburg, measurements have been taken since mid-February this year, the week after the sports holidays.
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– For a long time, the amount of virus particles was at a stable level, but something has changed in the last two weeks that can seriously change the situation, says Heléne Norder.
What was discovered was that the prevalence of coronavirus particles increased significantly and was 300 times more per milliliter in wastewater, that is, from Gothenburg toilets to the treatment plant.
Heléne Norder and microbiologist Ellen Magnil control the large centrifuge used to concentrate the drainage samples. Image: Thomas Johansson
Worried and worried
“It is a huge increase that worries me and worries me,” says Heléne Norder, anxiously awaiting this week’s results.
Through their trackball and past experience, researchers realize that the risk that more people in the Gothenburg area will get sick, that more people will need intensive care, and that more people will be at risk of dying, is big.
An alarm system
– This is like an alarm system on what to expect and we send the reports every week to the infection control unit in the region.
Do you take alarm reports seriously enough?
– I think so, if nothing else, you should do even more after the last two weeks, emphasize and continue:
READ MORE Here are the elderly residents infected with the corona virus.
– Above all, Gothenburg citizens must do it: restrictions on washing hands, keeping distance and staying home in cold weather are incredibly important now. I want to say it out loud for everyone to hear, she says.
Image: Thomas Johansson
Began to relax
On the explanation of the strong increase, she says:
– We do not know, but it may be that ordinary people have begun to relax and think that the danger has passed and began to let go of the rules.
Do you like sitting too close to outdoor seating?
– It’s good to be outside, but it’s important to stay away and take infection and risk seriously. The increase in the coronavirus in our measurements shows it all, but the danger is over and that more people seem to have the virus, she says.
When asked if there could be a new wave of virus on the way with more people, Heléne Norder responds:
He works all day
– I don’t know and I don’t want to speculate. I am an investigator and as an investigator you want to know. Right now, we work with fewer staff 24 hours a day to collect data and evidence.
Heléne Norder is a merit in the field and has many years of experience in virus research.
Image: Thomas Johansson
Corona virus – a sting
She sees the coronavirus as gravity.
– I have great respect for it, it is unpleasant and does not appear as “normal viruses”. For example, we don’t know exactly what pathways the body can take, she says.
The researchers also measure the presence of corona particles in the wastewater from the treatment plant in our waterways.
– It also exists there, but to a lesser extent. The effect is unclear.
Can the virus be infected in wastewater?
– Probably not. But we still don’t know for sure, she says.
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