Wastewater-based epidemiology to enhance public health preparedness and response during large-scale events: experiences from the 2024 Republican and Democratic National Conventions – Milwaukee, WI and Chicago, IL

Abstract

Introduction – Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) was implemented at the 2024 Republican and Democratic National Conventions (RNC and DNC, respectively), each with estimated attendances of >50, 000 persons. In preparation, the Wisconsin and Chicago WBE programs (associated with the RNC and DNC response, respectively) developed monitoring strategies and response plans, prioritized additional pathogens, and further optimized laboratory workflows to ensure rapid, daily data reporting. Sampling was also conducted before the events to establish baselines, as well as after each event to monitor for residual community transmission. Methods – Surveillance was expanded from the four respiratory pathogens regularly assessed by both WBE programs (SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B, respiratory syncytial virus) to include 3 gastrointestinal pathogens (norovirus, Salmonella enterica, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli). The Wisconsin program also conducted monitoring for the measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis A viruses. Wastewater sampling for the RNC occurred at the community water reclamation facility level, while at the DNC samples were collected from newly selected sites located in close proximity to the event venues. For both events, WBE data were summarized and contextualized alongside traditional public health surveillance data in daily situation reports. Results – Between the RNC and DNC response, a total of 112 wastewater samples were collected and assayed to provide concentration data on as many as 11 distinct pathogens of interest. Concentration results for the suite of pathogens were available within 12 to 36 h of sample collection. In each instance when wastewater concentrations exceeded pre-established thresholds for action and flagged as an alert, other sources of contemporaneous public health surveillance information (e.g. clinical data) were used to corroborate the WBE findings. Conclusion – Existing WBE infrastructure in two U. S. cities was readily adapted for public health surveillance at two high-profile, large-scale events. Assays for additional event-relevant pathogens were quickly incorporated into routine laboratory workflows and data from wastewater samples were generated and reported with rapid turnaround-time. In considering the unique benefits of wastewater data, WBE results were a valuable supplement to other public health surveillance data in monitoring potential public health threats during these two large-scale events.