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.