Health Alert: Unexpected Viral Contaminant Found in Water Systems

testing water for contaminants
Young happy female worker in factory writing notes about water bottles or gallons before shipment. Inspection quality control. Selective focus on hand.

San Francisco’s wastewater reveals a disturbing secret: traces of the mpox virus have been detected, raising alarming questions about public health and the city’s preparedness for potential outbreaks.

At a Glance

  • Mpox virus detected in San Francisco’s wastewater on multiple occasions in July and August
  • No connection to the more severe strain causing an outbreak in Africa
  • San Francisco’s current seven-day average for mpox cases is zero
  • Health officials recommend two-dose mpox vaccine for high-risk groups

Mpox Makes a Splash in San Francisco’s Sewers

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, San Francisco’s sewers are serving up a fresh helping of hysteria. The mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox (because apparently even viruses need a PR makeover these days), has been detected in the city’s wastewater. It’s like a scene from a B-movie horror flick, but instead of alligators in the sewers, we’ve got viral DNA floating around.

Now, before you start panic-buying hazmat suits and bottled water, let’s take a deep breath and look at the facts. The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) assures us that the current occurrence of mpox in the waste water is not the most virulent strain. That’s right, folks – we’re not dealing with a full-blown crisis here, just a gentle reminder that Mother Nature always has a few tricks up her sleeve.

A Tale of Two Strains: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Here’s where things get interesting – and by interesting, I mean potentially terrifying. There are two types of mpox virus: clade I and clade II. The strain detected in San Francisco’s wastewater is the less severe clade II. Meanwhile, across the pond in the Democratic Republic of Congo, they’re dealing with a more severe clade I variant that’s causing quite a stir.

“Sweden’s public health agency said in a statement: ‘A person who sought care at Region Stockholm has been diagnosed with mpox caused by the clade I variant. It is the first case caused by clade I to be diagnosed outside the African continent.'”

Now, before you start building a bunker, let’s be clear: there have been no cases of the more severe clade I mpox reported in the United States.

Wastewater: The Crystal Ball of Public Health

In a twist that would make George Orwell proud, our sewage has become the latest tool in the public health surveillance arsenal. The Sewer Coronavirus Alert Network (SCAN) – because apparently, we needed yet another acronym in our lives – has been diligently testing our waste for various nasties, including mpox.

“We are looking at the monkeypox virus DNA genetic markers of the virus. Not the infectious monkeypox virus but the presence of that marker in the wastewater,” said Wolfe.

It’s like CSI: Sewer Edition. Who knew that our collective flush could be so informative?

The Vaccine Dilemma: To Jab or Not to Jab?

In true government fashion, the SFDPH is recommending a two-dose mpox vaccine for “certain high-risk groups.” Because nothing says “crisis averted” like a vague recommendation for an unspecified portion of the population.

“Everyone poops, but very few people are getting tested for monkeypox.” https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/07/23/1056399/monkeypox-california-wastewater/

And there you have it, folks – the most eloquent summary of our current situation. It’s a brave new world where your bodily functions are under constant scrutiny, but hey, at least it’s for the greater good, right?

As we navigate this latest chapter in the never-ending saga of public health crises, remember: stay informed, stay vigilant, and for heaven’s sake, wash your hands. Because in San Francisco, you never know what might be lurking in the water.

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