You are here:
IMPROVING WATERBORNE DISEASE OUTBREAK INVESTIGATIONS
Citation:
Craun, G. F., F. J. Frost, R. L. Calderon*, E Hilborn*, K R. Fox*, D J. Reasoner*, C. Poole, D. Rexing, AND S. A. Hubbs. IMPROVING WATERBORNE DISEASE OUTBREAK INVESTIGATIONS. Smith. P.G. (ed.), INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH. Taylor & Francis Ltd, 11(3):229-243.
Description:
This article summarizes the discussions and conclusions of a workshop held December 7-8, 1998, to consider the inherent limitations and weaknesses of waterborne outbreak investigations and make recommendations for their improvement. In recent years, an increased number of suspected waterborne outbreaks have not been thoroughly investigated. Information about relevant engineering deficiencies and water quality problems was either inadequate or not provided. In some outbreaks, the epidemiological evidence was persuasive, but specific information about the water system deficiencies or source of contamination was inadequate. Workshop attendees concluded that waterborne outbreak surveillance should be improved and that better cooperation and collaboration are needed among the epidemiologists who conduct outbreak investigations and scientists and engineers who work in public health, environmental, and drinking water regulatory agencies. Improved epidemiological investigations, engineering evaluations of the water system, and water quality investigations can help identify deficiencies in water systems and water treatment processes that may lead to conditions favorable for waterborne disease outbreaks. This information can be used to help develop strategies for preventing outbreaks. Epidemiologists can help improve the quality of epidemiological investigations by discussing more thoroughly any potential bias in their studies and the possible effects that suspected bias may have on observed associations.