The USask Global Institute for Water Security wastewater survey for Prince Albert shows that the COVID-19 viral RNA load in Prince Albert’s has increased by 83.6 per cent.
The number is based on averages of three individual daily measurements in this reporting period up to Nov. 7, which are then compared to the average of the previous week.
This week’s viral load of approximately 195,000 gene copies / 100 mL SARS-CoV-2 is an increase in viral load compared to last week.
This concentration of viral particles is considered medium because it is lower than a ten-week average of around 220,000 gene copies in Prince Albert. This concentration is the 13th greatest concentration observed during the pandemic in Prince Albert.
The proportions of SARS-CoV-2 RNA load in Prince Albert’s wastewater by variant were: BA.5: 50.1 per cent, BA.5.1: 3.5 per cent, BA.2.75: 0.0 per cent, BA.2.75:0.0 per cent Other Omicron: 46.4 per cent and non-Omicron lineages: 0.0 per cent.
They are validating assays and standards for BA.4, BA.4.6, BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 to know the proportion of each out of the 38.3 per cent.
All data has been shared with Saskatchewan health authorities.
The research team is also screening for the top three variants of concern: Alpha (B.1.1.7), Gamma (P.1) and Delta (B.1.617). Additional variants will be added to the panel as the situation evolves.
USask and Global Water Futures researchers are using wastewater-based epidemiology to monitor for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and North Battleford wastewater, providing early warning of infection outbreaks. This work is being done in partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, Public Health Agency of Canada, City of Saskatoon, City of Prince Albert and City of North Battleford.
This variant tracking data should be seen merely as an indicator of trends which need to be verified using sequencing technology through the Public Health Agency of Canada. Because individuals are at varying stages of infection when shedding the virus, the variant levels detected in sewage are not necessarily directly comparable to the proportion of variant cases found in individual swab samples confirmed through provincial genetic sequencing efforts.
editorial@paherald.sk.ca
