David Larsen (PH) PI, Health Resources Inc./ NYS DOH / CDC, Phase I, sub-award, 3/1/21-7/31/21.
Wastewater surveillance is a useful tool for ensuring health security via confirmation that COVID-19 is at low levels of transmission and alerting to increasing levels of transmission. Dr. Larsen is leading efforts to develop a wastewater surveillance network for the state of New York, including building the surveillance system infrastructure, training local health departments regarding wastewater surveillance, and informing the public. Initially this network will serve in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the future, this network will support the public health response to the opioid crisis, monitor trends in antimicrobial resistance, and potentially surveil other infectious diseases such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus as well as environmental toxins such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Numerous research opportunities are available for students.