Virome of NYC
The spatial-temporal distribution of respiratory viruses in the built environment has been little documented, yet clearly they exist among us. In this project we use field sampling and laboratory assays to explore the presence and prevalence of these viruses in the public spaces of New York City. We are using these findings to identify potential ‘hotspots’ of transmission and to explore how the spatial-temporal distribution of these samples corresponds to respiratory disease incidence, as measure through more traditional syndromic surveillance. In addition, the data are being used to inform modeling efforts and further study of the environmental determinants of respiratory disease.