MU researchers find omicron variant in wastewater

University of Missouri researchers are reporting the presence of the new COVID-19 variant in the state’s wastewater.  

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (D-H-S-S) says sequence testing identified in the omicron variant in a water sample from the St. Joseph wastewater treatment plant on December 8th.   

Another sample was collected the day before from wastewater treatment facility sewer sheds in Jackson County.   

Officials say two percent of the COVID-19 viral strands had omicron mutations.    

Researchers say these samples are only “an indication” that the omicron variant is likely present in the population of these sewer shed areas.   

Mizzou scientists began monitoring wastewater for coronavirus in February.