The Implementation and Utilization of Wastewater-Based Epidemiology: Experiences From a Local Health Department.

Wastewater-based epidemiology has increasingly demonstrated its importance in addressing public health threats. The COVID-19 pandemic brought forth funding for public health agencies to conduct wastewater-based epidemiology. Using a team with diverse skills, a local health department utilized this funding to regularly monitor SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater on university campuses, a K-12 campus, an inpatient psychiatric facility, and a long-term care facility. Between September 2021 and May 2022, more than 760 wastewater samples were collected of which 102 (13.4%) were above a predetermined threshold. When sites exceeded that threshold, local health department staff provided testing resources. Wastewater-based epidemiology is a useful surveillance program that can be effectively conducted by local health departments when provided with funding and a skilled workforce.

Interventions for excessive energy drink use.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Given the increased and sometimes excessive consumption of energy drinks containing caffeine and other drugs, often sugar-sweetened, especially among young people, interventions that reduce consumption are needed. We review current findings related to interventions at the individual, outlet and regulatory levels to reduce energy drink consumption. RECENT FINDINGS: Few interventions to reduce excess energy drink consumption have been tested. Interventions to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and caffeinated beverages are reviewed. A manual-only intervention to reduce caffeinated beverages shows promise, whereas reducing availability at outlets and in communities as a whole shows some effectiveness. SUMMARY: Although some recent studies can provide guidance on interventions to reduce energy drink consumption, no clear 'best practice' has emerged to reduce energy drink consumption. The literature reviewed points toward interventions at different levels which need further testing and could benefit from adaptation to the youth and young adult consumer.