Join us for the 2026 APHA Epidemiology Special Session on Wastewater Surveillance!
đź“… November 3, 2026
đź•Ł 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
📍 Henry B. González Convention Center, San Antonio, TX
Learn more and view the session details here: https://apha.confex.com/apha/2026/meetingapp.cgi/Session/77680
4029.0 - Epidemiology Section: SPECIAL SESSION: Wastewater-based Epidemiology: Advances and future direction in wastewater surveillance
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), or wastewater surveillance, is an innovative public health surveillance approach that provides timely, community-level insights into infectious disease trends. By analyzing wastewater for pathogens and biomarkers, WBE offers a cost-effective, non-invasive method to complement traditional surveillance systems. This session will highlight advances from the Centers of Excellence within the CDC Wastewater Monitoring Program, showcasing innovative methods, emerging applications, and strategies for translating wastewater data into public health action. Presenters will also discuss future directions for WBE, including expanded pathogen monitoring, improved data integration, and opportunities to strengthen collaboration between laboratories, epidemiologists, and public health agencies. Through these presentations, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how wastewater surveillance can inform public health decision-making, support early detection of health threats, and enhance preparedness for future outbreaks.