U.S. Senator Tim Scott introduced the Public health Response and Emergency Detection through Integrated wastewater Community Testing (PREDICT) Act on Mar. 11, alongside Senator Cory Booker and several other senators, aiming to strengthen and expand the nation’s wastewater monitoring network for early detection of infectious diseases.
The legislation comes as South Carolina faces a significant measles outbreak in the Upstate region, highlighting the need for improved tools to identify and track diseases before they spread widely. Wastewater surveillance analyzes sewage to detect viruses and bacteria circulating in communities, allowing public health officials to respond more quickly.
“Wastewater monitoring provides communities with an early warning when infectious diseases are spreading,” said Sen. Scott. “As South Carolina continues responding to the measles outbreak, it’s clear that early detection tools are critical to protecting families and helping public health officials respond quickly to emerging threats. The PREDICT Act builds on proven methods to track infectious diseases, improve transparency, and ensure our nation is better prepared for future public health emergencies.”
Tara Sabo-Attwood, dean of the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina, said, “Wastewater-based epidemiology is a powerful tool that allows us to detect public health threats in real time—often before clinical cases or other health outcomes emerge. As state and global leaders in this field, experts at the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina are setting the standard for early warning systems that safeguard communities.” Sabo-Attwood also highlighted collaborations with Clemson University, MUSC, and Claflin University as key partnerships supporting these efforts.
Scott offers constituent services including assistance with federal agencies and community resources for South Carolina residents according to his official website. He helped enact Opportunity Zones legislation in 2017 aimed at fostering investment in distressed communities according to his official website, and has championed private investment in economically challenged areas according to his official website. Scott earned a bachelor’s degree from Charleston Southern University according to his official website and participates in Senate committees such as Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Finance; Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; and Small Business and Entrepreneurship according to his official website. He also emphasizes workforce development and economic opportunity for residents of South Carolina according to his official website.
The introduction of the PREDICT Act reflects ongoing efforts by lawmakers and public health leaders to improve pandemic preparedness through science-based approaches like wastewater surveillance.
