A community waterborne outbreak of salmonellosis and the effectiveness of a boil water order.
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| Title: | A community waterborne outbreak of salmonellosis and the effectiveness of a boil water order. |
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| Authors: | Angulo FJ (AUTHOR), Tippen S (AUTHOR), Sharp DJ (AUTHOR), Payne BJ (AUTHOR), Collier C (AUTHOR), Hill JE (AUTHOR), Barrett TJ (AUTHOR), Clark RM (AUTHOR), Geldreich EE (AUTHOR), Donnell HD Jr. (AUTHOR), Swerdlow DL (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | American Journal of Public Health. Apr97, Vol. 87 Issue 4, p580-584. 5p. |
| Subjects: | Waterborne infection, Salmonella food poisoning, Salmonella, Aquatic microbiology |
| Geographic Terms: | Gideon (Mo.), Missouri |
| Abstract: | OBJECTIVES: A 1993 large water-borne outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium infections in Gideon, Mo, a city of 1100 with an unchlorinated community water supply, was investigated to determine the source of contamination and the effectiveness of an order to boil water. METHODS: A survey of household members in Gideon and the surrounding township produced information on diarrheal illness, water consumption, and compliance with the boil water order. RESULTS: More than 650 persons were ill; 15 were hospitalized, and 7 died. Persons consuming city water were more likely to be ill (relative risk [RR] = 9.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.9, 28.4), and the attack rate increased with increased water consumption. S. typhimurium was recovered from samples taken from a city fire hydrant and a water storage tower. Persons in 31% (30/ 98) of city households had drunk unboiled water after being informed about the boil water order, including 14 individuals who subsequently became ill. Reasons for noncompliance included 'not remembering' (44%) and 'disbelieving' (25%) the order. CONCLUSIONS: Communities with deteriorating water systems risk widespread illness unless water supplies are properly operated and maintained. Effective education to improve compliance during boil water orders is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | OBJECTIVES: A 1993 large water-borne outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium infections in Gideon, Mo, a city of 1100 with an unchlorinated community water supply, was investigated to determine the source of contamination and the effectiveness of an order to boil water. METHODS: A survey of household members in Gideon and the surrounding township produced information on diarrheal illness, water consumption, and compliance with the boil water order. RESULTS: More than 650 persons were ill; 15 were hospitalized, and 7 died. Persons consuming city water were more likely to be ill (relative risk [RR] = 9.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.9, 28.4), and the attack rate increased with increased water consumption. S. typhimurium was recovered from samples taken from a city fire hydrant and a water storage tower. Persons in 31% (30/ 98) of city households had drunk unboiled water after being informed about the boil water order, including 14 individuals who subsequently became ill. Reasons for noncompliance included 'not remembering' (44%) and 'disbelieving' (25%) the order. CONCLUSIONS: Communities with deteriorating water systems risk widespread illness unless water supplies are properly operated and maintained. Effective education to improve compliance during boil water orders is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 00900036 |
| DOI: | 10.2105/AJPH.87.4.580 |
