Abstract |
Waterborne illness can be contracted by ingestion of contaminated water or ice; during bathing, swimming, or wading; from inhalation of aersols, gases, or vapors from contaminated water or waste water. The general unavailability of water for bathing and washing also contributes and can increase person-to-person transmission of certain infectious diseases. Reviewed in the article are those illnesses caused by ingestion of contaminated water, especially groundwater and deficiencies in water supply systems which have been responsible for waterborne outbreaks in the United States. Although the emphasis is on infectious disease, acute chemical poisonings are also briefly reviewed. |