Hungary reports rising coronavirus concentrations in wastewater

The National Public Health and Pharmaceutical Center (NNGYK) has reported an increase in SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in wastewater samples across Hungary. Based on data from the 39th and 40th calendar weeks, the virus has been detected in several locations, including Budapest, Debrecen, Veszprém, Szeged, Pécs, Zalaegerszeg, Szolnok, Tatabánya, and Békéscsaba.

An upward trend in viral concentration was specifically noted in four locations: the South Pest wastewater treatment plant in Budapest, as well as in Szeged, Szolnok, and Zalaegerszeg. While no city currently falls into the “high” or “elevated” concentration categories, concentrations in Szeged, Zalaegerszeg, Szolnok, and parts of Budapest are classified as “moderate.”

Health authorities indicate that these wastewater findings suggest a sporadic increase in COVID-19 infection numbers may be expected in the coming period. This monitoring serves as an early indicator of viral spread before official infection counts rise.