Why is Wastewater Testing Important in Epidemiology?

Wastewater testing offers several advantages in the field of epidemiology:

Early Detection: It can provide early warning signals of disease outbreaks by detecting pathogens before clinical cases are reported.
Population-Level Insights: It allows for the monitoring of entire communities, providing a more comprehensive view than individual testing.
Non-Invasive: It is a non-invasive method that does not require direct contact with individuals, reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
Cost-Effective: It can be more cost-effective than widespread individual testing, especially in large populations.