SEWAGE-BASED EPIDEMIOLOGY AS A STRATEGY FOR COLLECTIVE TRACKING AND DIAGNOSIS OF TRANSMISSIBLE DISEASES AND INJURIES

Abstract

This study aims to investigate how Sewage-Based Epidemiology can be applied for the collective tracking and diagnosis of diseases. It is a reflective and exploratory text that used some important authors on the subject, in order to raise discussions to the readers, so that they could develop critical reasoning.Among the main aspects raised, it was found that the technique identifies, for example, viral RNA in sewage through methods such as RT-PCR, allowing the monitoring of the spread of viruses in communities. Sewage-Based Epidemiology can, therefore, anticipate outbreaks, guide Primary Health Care (PHC) actions and integrate health and epidemiological surveillance strategies. In Brazil, research conducted in Minas Gerais and other regions showed that 100% of sewage samples tested positive in critical points, reflecting high rates of COVID-19 infection. This approach is effective for monitoring diseases on a large scale, even with limited infrastructure. Thus, the technique offers an economical and rapid alternative to individual clinical testing. It is an efficient and preventive surveillance tool, offering great health benefits and cost reduction for the public health system.