Waterborne disease in the United States, 1991 and 1992

• Published in: Journal - American Water Works Association 1994-02, Vol.86 (2), p.87-99
• Main Authors: Moore, Anne C., Herwaldt, Barbara L., Craun, Gunther F., Calderon, Rebecca L., Highsmith, Anita K., Juranek, Dennis D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Cryptosporidium; Disease outbreaks; Diseases; Drinking water and swimming-pool water. Desalination; Epidemiology; Etiology; Exact sciences and technology; Giardia; Groundwater; Management & Operations; Oocysts; Pollution; Potable water; Surface water; Surveys; Water pollution; Water quality; Water treatment and pollution; Waterborne Diseases
• ISSN: 0003-150X; 1551-8833
• DOI: 10.1002/j.1551-8833.1994.tb06155.x

For 1991 and 1992, 17 states and territories reported 34 outbreaks of disease associated with drinking water, which affected an estimated 17,464 people. A protozoal parasite (Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium) was identified as the etiologic agent for seven of the eleven outbreaks for which an agent was determined; the remaining four were due to hepatitis A, Shigella sonnet, or chemicals. A lack of treatment or inadequate treatment accounted for the majority of outbreaks, and most (76 percent) were associated with well water. In addition, eight states reported eleven outbreaks of gastroenteritis associated with unintentional ingestion of recreational water. Six of these outbreaks were caused by Giardia or Cryptosporidium. Ongoing for 22 years, this national surveillance of waterborne disease helps to identify deficiencies in water systems and the etiologic agents associated with outbreaks.