Waterborne Diseases
Waterborne diseases are those in which the consumption of or exposure to water and/or water systems lead to illness. Common waterborne diseases include, but are not limited to, giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, vibriosis, shigellosis, and legionellosis. Gastrointestinal, respiratory, and wound infections are typical signs and symptoms of these diseases. These diseases implicate compromised water sanitation and safety that have the potential to affect a large number of people. ADPH is committed to keeping you informed of potential risks that lead to waterborne illnesses; investigating transmission of pathogens that may result in such illnesses; and implementing strategies that will reduce the spread of further sickness.
Spotlight: Beach Fun and Safety
Planning a trip to one of Alabama's coastal beaches? Be sure to visit the Coastal Alabama Beach Monitoring Program page for details on routine sample testing results that assess water quality. Additionally, the beach flag warning system and weather forecast of coastal areas are useful tools to keep swimmers educated in preparation for beach trips.
Vibriosis Surveillance in Alabama
Vibriosis is a reportable condition in Alabama. Necrotizing fasciitis (NF), a severe infection commonly referred to in media reports as ‘flesh-eating bacteria’, is not reportable. NF can result from different bacterial pathogens, including Vibrio and Vancomycin-Intermediate/Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VISA/VRSA). During routine disease surveillance, complications that result from Vibrio infection may occur after patient interviews, and therefore may not be reported. Specimen sites provide insight into the type of infections cases may have experienced. These are illustrated in the table below.
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Reported Specimen Sites for Alabama Vibriosis Cases, by MMWR Year |
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Specimen Site* |
2017 |
2018 |
2019¥ |
|
Blood or other normally sterile |
2 |
4 |
1 |
|
Gastrointestinal (GI) |
10 |
20 |
10 |
|
Skin or soft tissue (SST) |
11 |
12 |
3 |
|
Multiple |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Other, non-sterile |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
Unknown |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
26 |
38 |
17 |
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Note:Collection of these data began in calendar year 2017. Data for specimen sites before 2017 are not available. |
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*Specimen site category definitions: ¥ Year-to-date counts - these counts will be updated by the 7th day of each month. |
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What's New!
- A new MMWR on U.S. cryptosporidiosis outbreaks between 2009 and 2017 was released by the CDC. Read the full report for details.
- Areas of Mobile Bay that were temporarily closed to oyster harvesting on May 16, 2019 are now reopened. View the full news release.
- CDC released a MMWR on Pool Chemical Injuries in Public and Residential Settings.
- Shellfish growing areas in Area II, Mobile County are closed until further notice. Read the full news release.
- ADPH releases guidance on private well water testing and sewage overflows following a flooding event.
- Free training is available for Legionnaires' disease prevention! CDC and partners developed this training for a variety of professionals involved in water management programs. CEUs are available from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).
Resources
General
- How to Disinfect Your Water Well
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Beaches
- Healthy Swimming Tips
- Learn more about oceans, lakes, and rivers
For Providers
For Operators of Aquatic Venues
- Developing a Water Management Program
- Pool/Spa Inspector Training
- Model Aquatic Health Code (2nd Edition)
Water Safety During an Emergency
- Prevent Illness After a Disaster
- Tips for Making Water Safe
- Tips for Drinking Safe Water
- Emergency Water Supply Preparation
- Kill Germs with Bleach
Page last updated: July 23, 2019
