Dashboard for European wastewater surveillance launched 

A new dashboard provides near real-time insights into the spread of pathogens through wastewater. On January 29, the European Commission launched a European wastewater surveillance dashboard. The dashboard brings together national and research-based near real-time information on pathogen trends. It can support public health authorities in their efforts to track, predict, and respond promptly to disease outbreaks.

The European Wastewater Observatory for Public Health of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) developed the European wastewater surveillance dashboard in collaboration with the European Health Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA). This authority enables the EU and its Member States to implement the most advanced medical measures in the event of a potential cross-border health threat. This includes, among other things, the development and production of medicines, vaccines, and medical devices. 

Monitoring three pathogens 

Currently, the dashboard includes data on the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and the influenza virus. It integrates data from eleven European countries and is supported by more than a million measurements. It provides data from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Scotland, Malta, and Sweden. The dashboard is free and publicly accessible. 

Poliovirus detected in Europe

Recently, poliovirus has been detected across Europe. Public health authorities in Finland have reported the detection of poliovirus in wastewater samples, marking the latest in a series of similar findings across Europe. Between September and November 2024, wastewater samples in Spain, Poland, Germany, and the United Kingdom also tested positive for poliovirus. Despite these detections, no human cases have been reported in Europe.

COVID-19  

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that wastewater surveillance provides valuable additional data about the spread of the disease. Since the pandemic, wastewater surveillance has become part of the new normal. A growing number of countries are now monitoring wastewater.