Climate change may raise sewage virus exposure risks

A new study indicates that climate change may increase the risk of exposure to sewage-associated viruses in water bodies. Extreme weather events, like heavy rain and heatwaves, can overwhelm sewer systems, leading to untreated sewage being released into rivers and lakes. Research shows that certain viruses can survive in water for days, raising health concerns. Enteric viruses can remain infectious in seawater for up to three days, especially in warmer temperatures. Sunlight exposure reduces their viability, but cloudy conditions allow them to persist longer. The findings highlight the need for improved sewage treatment practices globally. They also emphasize the importance of understanding how climate change affects the spread of these viruses to better manage health risks associated with sewage contamination.