Scientists across the world are racing to understand the Omicron variant of COVID-19, and that includes right here in Las Vegas, with research happening at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

UNLV’s Wastewater Surveillance Program is primarily about identifying new variants and helps the state identify if, and when, they show up.

The sewers in Southern Nevada can tell a lot about what’s happening in our community.

Researchers at UNLV are tracking the Las Vegas Flu season through wastewater studies.

UNLV researchers are tracking flu season through our waste water.

The technology that has been used to track COVID-19 in the community may soon be used for other illnesses as well.

A COVID-19 wastewater surveillance program which began more than a year ago at UNLV has evolved to the point it’s showing promise in helping the medical community predict which influenza strains will be making the rounds during flu season, and target them when formulating the annual flu vaccine.

It’s still nearly 90 degrees in Las Vegas, so it makes sense if thoughts of winter seem far out of the picture.