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Shigellosis outbreak associated with swimming
American Journal of Public Health
|February 1, 1987
Summary
Swimming in a southern Oklahoma lake was linked to a Shigella sonnei outbreak in 1982. Illness was associated with swallowing lake water, highlighting swimming as a potential source of enteric infections.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness caused by Shigella sonnei occurred in Oklahoma in June 1982.
- The illness affected residents of two counties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the source and transmission of the Shigella sonnei outbreak.
- To determine the association between lake attendance and illness.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted comparing ill individuals with age and sex-matched controls.
- A survey assessed illness among lake visitors, correlating it with swimming behavior and water ingestion.
Main Results:
- Attendance at a southern Oklahoma lake was significantly associated with illness (matched pair odds ratio [OR] 9/0).
- Lake swimmers were more likely to be ill (50%) than non-swimmers (0%).
- Ingesting lake water while swimming increased illness risk (OR = 6.9, 95% CI = 2.2-21.5).
Conclusions:
- Swimming in the lake was identified as the likely source of the Shigella sonnei outbreak.
- Ingesting contaminated water during recreational activities is a significant risk factor for enteric infections.
- Public health recommendations should consider recreational water safety to prevent future outbreaks.