Tracking Superbugs in Swiss Waters: AMR Surveillance Meets Public Awareness
Since 2020, Dr. Christoph Jans and his team at the Cantonal Laboratory AVS have been running a surveillance and response system targeting antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in surface water and wastewater across the canton of Zug. This proactive initiative aims not only to monitor environmental health risks but also to inform and protect the public.
The project expanded in parallel to include a response component, enhancing the canton’s ability to act on concerning findings in real time. In spring 2024, the team launched a public outreach campaign to communicate the findings and raise awareness about safe recreational water use—educating residents on where and how to safely swim in rivers and lakes.
The outreach materials, though currently available only in German, oƯer valuable information about AMR hotspots, health recommendations, and environmental hygiene. The campaign underscores the importance of transparent communication when it comes to public health and environmental microbiology.
Media: https://zg.ch/news/news~_2024_5_baden-in-fluessen-und-seen-im-kanton-zuggewusst-wie-und-wo~.html (in German) This effort reflects a growing recognition of the One Health approach—connecting environmental, animal, and human health—and highlights how surveillance data can empower communities when paired with clear, science-based communication.