SARS-CoV-2 Variants BQ.1 and XBB.1.5 in Wastewater of Aircraft Flying from China to Denmark, 2023

Abstract

We analyzed wastewater samples from 14 aircraft arriving in Denmark directly from China during January 9–February 12, 2023. Wastewater from 11 aircraft was SARS-CoV-2–positive by PCR; 6 predominantly contained BQ.1 and XBB.1 subvariants. Wastewater-based surveillance can contribute to public health monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging infectious agents.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• respiratory infections
• severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
• SARS-CoV-2
• SARS
• coronavirus disease