The U.S. CDC has extended its partnership with Biobot Analytics through the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) to bring COVID and mpox (monkeypox) wastewater analysis to communities across the country.

This six-month extension between Biobot and the CDC will go through the end of July 2023, and ensure data continuity for the NWSS program.

As part of NWSS, Biobot contributes data from more than 400 locations from over 250 counties across a total of 50 states and U.S. Territories, providing coverage for 60 million people. Biobot tests each location for MPXV, SARS-CoV-2, and conducts genomic sequencing to identify COVID variants. This program has helped local officials better track the prevalence and spread of COVID and mpox to inform public health responses.

“As the availability of clinical data decreases, wastewater monitoring has become a more reliable indicator of COVID-19 prevalence and provides local officials with a better understanding of viral spread in their communities,” says Newsha Ghaeli, Biobot president and cofounder.

Similarly, as mpox cases continue to decline across the country, wastewater testing could be the way we detect a local resurgence, the company says.

“We’re excited to continue our partnership with CDC and lay the groundwork for future program expansion into other infectious diseases and beyond,” Ghaeli says.