COVID-19 wastewater detection: Mungindi

Viral fragments of COVID-19 have been detected at the Mungindi Sewerage Treatment Plant for a third consecutive week.

This is of particular concern, as no new cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in the Mungindi community.

Balonne LDMG Chair Samantha O’Toole said the biggest concern is the possibility of an as-yet-undetected community case; though it is equally likely the detection could be a previous COVID-19 case shedding viral fragments post-infection.

“It is critical that Mungindi residents get tested for COVID-19, to detect any cases that we may not be aware of as quickly as possible,” she said.

“While the wastewater detection could also mean someone who previously had COVID-19 is still shedding viral fragments, we will not know that for sure until more Mungindi residents are getting tested.

“I urge all Mungindi residents to get tested for COVID-19 if they have symptoms – no matter how mild those symptoms are.”

COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting, and loss of taste or smell.

State Governments of Queensland and New South Wales are conducting extensive wastewater surveillance for COVID-19.

Testing wastewater can help track infections in the community and provide early warning of increased infections.

For more information on wastewater testing in Queensland: Queensland Government.

For more information on wastewater testing in New South Wales: NSW Government.