With Mardi Gras in the rearview mirror, LSU Health infectious disease specialist Dr. Mark Allen Déry says there's an innovative method to measure the health impact of the season: wastewater testing.
Dr. Déry says that while RSV and influenza numbers in hospitals are monitored, looking at community wastewater provides a broader and more immediate picture of what’s circulating.
During Mardi Gras, Orleans Parish wastewater sites showed high concentrations of RSV and Influenza A, indicating that the viruses were as present on the parade route as the beads and cups.
“Wastewater testing has become a game changer,” Déry explains. “From emergency rooms to schools and even entire parishes, it gives us insight into viral spread at both micro and macro levels.”
He adds that historical data confirms the surge tied directly to the crowds, parties, and interactions along the route.
Despite the worrying numbers, Dr. Déry’s public health advice remains simple: wash your hands, stay home if you’re sick, and avoid spreading illness to others.
With these precautions, communities can celebrate safely and keep the fun of Mardi Gras rolling without adding an unwanted viral souvenir.