U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., joined Senators Tim Scott, R-S.C., Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., Ted Budd, R-N.C., and Angus King, I-Maine, in introducing the Public Health Response and Emergency Detection through Integrated Wastewater Community Testing (PREDICT) Act. This legislation would strengthen and expand the nation’s wastewater monitoring network and improve the early detection of infectious diseases.
Wastewater surveillance analyzes sewage to detect viruses and bacteria circulating in a community. Individuals infected with diseases such as measles, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza A, and COVID-19 can shed viral or bacterial material through everyday activities, even if they do not show symptoms. Monitoring wastewater helps public health officials identify potential outbreaks earlier and respond more quickly to protect communities.
“Wastewater often provides early warning signs that infectious diseases could be spreading through our communities. Early detection tools are the first line of defense for families and public health officials. We must keep these monitoring capabilities up-to-date. This legislation would improve current methods to track the spread of infectious diseases and put better measures in place to prepare for public health emergencies,” said Senator Wicker.
The PREDICT Act would:
- Direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to award grants to state, tribal, and local health departments, educational institutions, nonprofits, and public-private partnerships to establish, maintain, or improve wastewater surveillance activities.
- Support advanced testing capabilities so laboratories can detect new pathogens quickly and simultaneously track multiple infectious diseases using consistent testing methods.
- Ensure broad geographic representation so communities across the United States can participate in wastewater surveillance efforts.
- Improve data transparency and sharing by establishing a timely and accessible dashboard for state and local public health officials.
- Promote innovation and flexibility by directing the CDC to issue guidance supporting new technologies and adaptable surveillance systems.
- Require a national strategic plan outlining how the CDC will strengthen wastewater monitoring nationwide and maintain an early-warning system capable of detecting emerging health threats.
The full text of the bill can be found here.
