Amid measles outbreak in South Carolina, Sen. Scott introduces bill to strengthen wastewater monitoring and improve pandemic preparedness

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Sens. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Public health Response and Emergency Detection through Integrated wastewater Community Testing (PREDICT) Act, legislation to strengthen and expand the nation's wastewater monitoring network and improve the early detection of infectious diseases. Joining Sens. Scott and Booker in introducing the legislation are Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ted Budd (R-NC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Angus King (I-ME).

Wastewater surveillance analyzes sewage to detect viruses and bacteria circulating in a community. Individuals infected with diseases such as measles, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza A, and COVID-19 can shed viral or bacterial material through everyday activities, even if they do not show symptoms. Monitoring wastewater helps public health officials identify potential outbreaks earlier and respond more quickly to protect communities.

Recent public health challenges have highlighted the importance of early detection systems. In South Carolina, for example, health officials have been responding to a significant measles outbreak centered in the Upstate region, underscoring the need for tools that help identify and track infectious diseases before they spread widely in communities.

"Wastewater monitoring provides communities with an early warning when infectious diseases are spreading," said Sen. Scott. "As South Carolina continues responding to the measles outbreak, it's clear that early detection tools are critical to protecting families and helping public health officials respond quickly to emerging threats. The PREDICT Act builds on proven methods to track infectious diseases, improve transparency, and ensure our nation is better prepared for future public health emergencies."

"Wastewater-based epidemiology is a powerful tool that allows us to detect public health threats in real time-often before clinical cases or other health outcomes emerge. As state and global leaders in this field, experts at the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina are setting the standard for early warning systems that safeguard communities," said Tara Sabo-Attwood, dean, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina. "Strong existing collaborations with key academic-health partnerships, including Clemson, MUSC and Claflin, ensure maximal reach to help protect all South Carolinians. Integrating this approach into public health frameworks strengthens our ability to respond proactively and protect more people from the spread of infectious diseases and emerging health concerns in South Carolina and beyond."

The PREDICT Act would:

• Direct the CDC to award grants to state, tribal, and local health departments, educational institutions, nonprofits, and public-private partnerships to establish, maintain, or improve wastewater surveillance activities.
• Support advanced testing capabilities so laboratories can detect new pathogens quickly and simultaneously track multiple infectious diseases using consistent testing methods.
• Ensure broad geographic representation so communities across the United States can participate in wastewater surveillance efforts.
• Improve data transparency and sharing by establishing a timely and accessible dashboard for state and local public health officials.
• Promote innovation and flexibility by directing the CDC to issue guidance supporting new technologies and adaptable surveillance systems.
• Require a national strategic plan outlining how the CDC will strengthen wastewater monitoring nationwide and maintain an early-warning system capable of detecting emerging health threats.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

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