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[Water-borne disease outbreaks in Norway]
Karin Nygård1, Bjørn Gondrosen, Vidar Lund
1Divisjon for smittevern, Nasjonalt folkehelseinstitutt, Postboks 4404 Nydalen, 0403 Oslo. karin.nygard@fhi.no
Summary
Waterborne outbreaks in Norway, caused by contaminated raw water and inadequate disinfection, affect thousands annually. Upgrading private water supplies and improving disinfection are crucial for preventing future illness outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Context:
- Norway's drinking water quality is traditionally high, yet annual outbreaks occur.
- Waterborne disease outbreaks are a recurring public health concern in Norway.
- A 15-year review (1988-2002) examined waterborne outbreaks in Norway.
Purpose:
- To review waterborne outbreaks in Norway over 15 years.
- To identify the causes (aetiology) of these outbreaks.
- To determine the contributing factors to waterborne outbreaks in Norway.
Summary:
- 72 waterborne outbreaks affected 10,616 people between 1988-2002.
- Campylobacter (26%) and norovirus (18%) were identified causes; 46% were unknown.
- Contaminated raw water and insufficient disinfection were primary causes, particularly in private supplies.
Impact:
- Inadequate disinfection and raw water contamination are key factors in Norwegian waterborne outbreaks.
- Continuous upgrading of small and private water supplies is essential for prevention.
- Effective outbreak reporting facilitates targeted preventive measures.