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Surveillance for Waterborne Disease Outbreaks Associated with Drinking Water, United States 2009-2010
Citation:
Hilborn, E, Tim Wade, L. Hicks, L. Garrison, J. Carpenter, E. Adam, B. Mull, J. Yoder, V. Roberts, AND J. Gargano. Surveillance for Waterborne Disease Outbreaks Associated with Drinking Water, United States 2009-2010. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, 62(35):714-720, (2013).
Impact/Purpose:
This report will be published in the weekly public health bulletin: The Morbidity Mortality Weekly Report. It is essential to track drinking water-associated disease outbreaks to understand the etiologies and sources of illness associated with exposure to drinking water. During reporting years 2009 - 2010, Legionella continues to be the most important source of bacterial infections; untreated groundwater and distribution system deficiencies continue to be associated with a high percentage of total outbreaks.
Description:
Despite advancements in water management and sanitation, waterborne disease outbreaks continue to occur in the United States. CDC collects data on waterborne disease outbreaks submitted from all states and territories* through the Waterborne Disease and Outbreak Surveillance System (WBDOSS)†. During 2009–2010, the most recent years for which data are finalized, 33 drinking water-associated outbreaks were reported, resulting in 1,040 cases of illness, 85 hospitalizations, and 9 deaths. Legionella accounted for 58% of outbreaks and 7% of illnesses, and Campylobacter accounted for 12% of outbreaks and 78% of illnesses. The most commonly-identified outbreak deficiencies§ were Legionella in premise plumbing¶ (57.6%), untreated groundwater (24.2%), and distribution system deficiencies (12.1%), suggesting that efforts to identify and correct these deficiencies could prevent many drinking water-associated outbreaks and illnesses. Public health, regulatory, and industry professionals can use this information to target prevention efforts against pathogens, infrastructure problems, and water sources associated with waterborne disease outbreaks.