What were the primary causes and impacts of waterborne disease outbreaks in the US during 2013-2014?

CDC surveillance documented 42 drinking water-associated outbreaks, resulting in 1,006 illnesses, 124 hospitalizations, and 13 deaths. Legionella was linked to 57% of these outbreaks and all fatalities, while Cryptosporidium caused the most community-wide illness. These events highlight the critical need for robust water treatment to protect public health.

What is the most effective water treatment method to prevent waterborne disease outbreaks?

A multi-barrier water treatment approach provides the most robust protection against pathogens like Legionella and Cryptosporidium. This includes advanced technologies such as reverse osmosis (RO) and UV disinfection, particularly at the point of use. AMPAC USA engineers leverage field experience to design systems that meet stringent safety standards.

What types of emergency water treatment systems does AMPAC USA provide for rapid deployment?

AMPAC USA offers a range of emergency water treatment systems, from portable 1,500 GPD units to trailer-mounted systems producing over 50,000 GPD. We also provide military-specification units designed for forward operating bases. These systems are engineered to produce potable water from virtually any source, meeting EPA and WHO drinking water standards.

Are AMPAC USA's emergency RO systems suitable for disaster relief operations?

Yes, AMPAC USA's emergency RO systems are highly suitable for disaster relief operations. Our robust, field-proven units are designed to rapidly convert contaminated water into safe, potable drinking water. They meet stringent EPA and WHO drinking water standards, making them ideal for critical humanitarian aid and emergency response.

Which specific pathogens were responsible for the most severe outcomes in US drinking water outbreaks (2013-2014)?

According to CDC surveillance, Legionella was associated with 57% of the reported outbreaks and all 13 deaths, making it responsible for the most severe outcomes. Cryptosporidium, while not causing as many deaths, was responsible for the majority of community-wide illnesses during this period. Effective multi-barrier treatment is crucial to mitigate these risks.

Surveillance for Waterborne Disease Outbreaks Associated with Drinking Water – United States, 2013 – 2014

Sammy FaragAMPAC USA — November 30, 2017

Surveillance for Waterborne Disease Outbreaks Associated with Drinking Water – United States, 2013 – 2014

By Sammy Farag . November 30, 2017

Quick Answer: CDC Waterborne Disease and Outbreak Surveillance (2013–2014) documented 42 drinking water-associated outbreaks causing 1,006 illnesses, 124 hospitalizations, and 13 deaths. Legionella was responsible for most severe outcomes; Cryptosporidium caused the most community-wide illness. Multi-barrier water treatment including reverse osmosis and UV disinfection at the point of use provides the most robust protection against the pathogens driving these outbreaks.

Benedict KM, Reses H, Vigar M, et al. Surveillance for Waterborne Disease Outbreaks Associated with Drinking Water — United States, 2013–2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2017;66:1216–1221. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6644a3

Provision of safe water in the United States is vital to protecting public health (1). Public health agencies in the U.S. states and territories* report information on waterborne disease outbreaks to CDC through the National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS) (https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/surveillance/index.html). During 2013–2014, 42 drinking water–associated^† outbreaks were reported, accounting for at least 1,006 cases of illness, 124 hospitalizations, and 13 deaths. Legionella was associated with 57% of these outbreaks and all of the deaths. Sixty-nine percent of the reported illnesses occurred in four outbreaks in which the etiology was determined to be either a chemical or toxin or the parasite Cryptosporidium. Drinking water contamination events can cause disruptions in water service, large impacts on public health, and persistent community concern about drinking water quality. Effective water treatment and regulations can protect public drinking water supplies in the United States, and rapid detection, identification of the cause, and response to illness reports can reduce the transmission of infectious pathogens and harmful chemicals and toxins.

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Source: Water Feed