Work

Wastewater surveillance in the military: how deployed members of the armed forces can monitor outbreaks on military vessels

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This perspective piece explores the potential to implement wastewater surveillance on military vessels to improve disease monitoring and prevention. We examine five key topics: (1) recent studies of wastewater surveillance on military bases and training centers; (2) best practices for confined populations (e.g., colleges, prisons, hospitals, and low-income and middle-income countries) and their transferability to military settings; (3) current technologies enabling deployed personnel to conduct wastewater surveillance without advanced microbiological training; (4) key questions the military should address to prevent future outbreaks on vessels; and (5) unique ethical considerations surrounding implementation. This work aims to inform military decision-makers considering the adoption of wastewater surveillance programs.

Source: Frontiers in Epidemiology

DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2025.1630930

Authors: Anna Gitter, Kristina D. Mena, Michelle Crum, Erick Butler

Institutions: The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, West Texas A&M University

Language: English

Topic: SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,353