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EPA Method 1615. Measurement of Enterovirus and Norovirus Occurrence in Water by Culture and RT-qPCR. Part III. Virus Detection by RT-qPCR
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An outbreak of viral meningitis associated with a public swimming pond

A M Hauri1, M Schimmelpfennig, M Walter-Domes

  • 1Government Health Service Institute, Dillenburg, Germany. a.hauri@suah-ldk.hessen.de

Epidemiology and Infection
|April 9, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Bathing in a public, nature-like pond caused an aseptic meningitis outbreak in Germany. Echovirus 30 was identified as the causative agent, highlighting risks associated with recreational water exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Aseptic meningitis outbreaks can pose significant public health challenges.
  • Recreational water activities are potential sources of infectious disease transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cause and risk factors of an aseptic meningitis outbreak in Kassel, Germany.
  • To identify the etiological agent responsible for the outbreak.

Main Methods:

  • A matched case-control study was conducted.
  • Epidemiological data on patient exposures were collected.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid and pond water samples were analyzed for viral pathogens.

Main Results:

  • 215 cases of aseptic meningitis were reported between July and October 2001.
  • Bathing in a public, nature-like pond was identified as a significant risk factor (mOR 44.8).
  • Echovirus 30 was isolated from patients and pond water, confirming its role in the outbreak.

Conclusions:

  • Nature-like swimming ponds can be a source of widespread community infections.
  • This outbreak underscores the importance of monitoring recreational water quality to prevent infectious disease.
  • Public health interventions are crucial to mitigate risks associated with environmental exposures.

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