An outbreak of viral gastroenteritis linked to municipal water supply, Lombardy, Italy, June 2009

Euro Surveill. 2009 Jul 23;14(29):19274. doi: 10.2807/ese.14.29.19274-en.

Abstract

We report an outbreak of viral gastroenteritis linked to municipal drinking water in a town in northern Italy in June 2009. Over one month we identified 299 probable cases of whom 30 were confirmed for at least one of the following viruses: norovirus, rotavirus, enterovirus or astrovirus. Water samples and filters from the water system also tested positive for norovirus and enterovirus. Control measures included treating the water system with chlorine dioxide and filters with peracetic acid, while providing temporary alternative sources of drinking water to the population.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Chlorine Compounds
  • Community-Acquired Infections / epidemiology*
  • Community-Acquired Infections / virology
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Female
  • Gastroenteritis / epidemiology*
  • Gastroenteritis / virology
  • Humans
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxides
  • RNA Viruses / isolation & purification
  • Water Purification
  • Water Supply / analysis*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Chlorine Compounds
  • Oxides
  • chlorine dioxide