Wastewater becoming a key tool in tracing COVID-19 in Italy
Hermione Kitson in Rome
Europe;Italy

Translating...

Content is automatically generated by Microsoft Azure Translator Text API. CGTN is not responsible for any of the translations.

Error loading player: No playable sources found
01:59

Italy is working to establish a national network of sewage testing for COVID-19.

Testing by the country's main health body, the National Institute of Health (ISS), found traces of the virus in Turin and Milan on 18 December last year, two months before the first clinical case in February.

The findings are consistent with similar research carried out in France and Spain that showed the virus was present before the first cases were reported in China at the end of December.

Claudio Ottaviano, a biologist at Rome-based water company Acea, says sewage is a key tracing tool.

"It provides a kind of archive – when it arrived, during and after, in time and space," Ottaviano tells CGTN. "It shows us the presence of the virus in Italy. It allows us to give information quickly to the healthcare systems that can then take the measures to help contain the contagion."

In July, the ISS launched a pilot study of 15 sites in tourist areas. By October, it will have a national testing system in place, which could be crucial in detecting a possible second wave of COVID-19.

The ISS's Luca Lucentini says the institute can identify future hotspots. "We could also focus the analysis on specific areas," he tells CGTN, "for example, airports, schools, or hospitals."

The national network will involve 100 cities with more than 60,000 residents. Lucentini says it is crucial work that could save lives. "It is really a challenge. We are a little bit afraid, but we want to be helpful for the country," he said.

MORE FROM CGTN
{"type":2,"value":"The Agenda","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

The Agenda

14:58, 19-Jul-2025

Tourist coins pose giant problem at N. Ireland's famous causeway site
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Europe

14:57, 19-Jul-2025

Passion for hand fans sizzles in burning Spanish heat
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Europe

11:31, 19-Jul-2025

{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Europe

16:09, 18-Jul-2025

TOP NEWS
Xi, Mauritanian president exchange congratulations on 60 years of ties
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Politics

06:45, 19-Jul-2025

China unveils new measures to boost foreign reinvestment
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Economy

05:54, 19-Jul-2025

Israeli, Syrian leaders agree to ceasefire as clashes rock Sweida
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Middle East

22:49, 18-Jul-2025