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Updated: Mar 22, 2026
12:32
EPA Method 1615. Measurement of Enterovirus and Norovirus Occurrence in Water by Culture and RT-qPCR. Part III. Virus Detection by RT-qPCR
Published on: January 16, 2016
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[Waterborne outbreaks in Norway 2003-2012]
Bernardo Guzman-Herrador1, Birgitte Freiesleben de Blasio2, Vidar Lund3
1Divisjon for smittevern Nasjonalt folkehelseinstitutt.
Summary
Norway reported 28 waterborne outbreaks between 2003-2012, primarily from public systems. Despite most being small, two large outbreaks highlight the need for robust surveillance and water safety planning.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
Context:
- Waterborne outbreaks pose a significant public health risk.
- Understanding outbreak trends is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
- Norway has a surveillance system for communicable diseases.
Purpose:
- To analyze the status of waterborne outbreaks in Norway from 2003-2012.
- To understand the development and characteristics of these outbreaks.
- To inform public health policy and water safety management.
Summary:
- A total of 28 waterborne outbreaks, affecting 8,060 individuals, were reported in Norway between 2003 and 2012.
- The majority of outbreaks originated from public water distribution systems (57%), with a substantial proportion also linked to private household supplies (43%).
- While most outbreaks were minor, two significant events (campylobacteriosis and giardiasis) each caused over 1,000 illnesses, emphasizing the potential for large-scale impact.
Impact:
- Findings underscore the critical need for enhanced surveillance and rapid notification of suspected waterborne illnesses.
- Highlights the importance of protecting water sources and maintaining water treatment infrastructure.
- Informs the development of effective contingency plans to mitigate the impact of future waterborne disease outbreaks.
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