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Could Sewage Give A Coronavirus Warning?
You might not have taken an individual test to see if you have the coronavirus, but you could be contributing to a community-wide diagnostic exercise every time you use the toilet.
Our collective waste will be providing some valuable data about coronavirus to scientists at USC. That’s because even if we don’t have symptoms, the coronavirus can be detected in the stools of 30% to 60% of infected people.
Testing wastewater at treatment plants around L.A. County could provide an early sign that the virus is on the decline, or give an early warning of a new outbreak.
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Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
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