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Studies abroad suggest that the virus is present in excrement even during the incubation period of infected individuals.

Higher concentrations of the virus in wastewater correspond to a higher number of infected people who contribute to the sewer system in the given area, providing a cheap and reliable early warning system of approaching outbreaks.

Czech researchers are testing samples from 17 wastewater plants around the country, serving some 700,000 inhabitants, Czech Radio added.