Some health implications of the occurrence of enteric viruses in water and soil

A brief review is given of the virological, epidemiological and hygiene and public health aspects of the occurrence of enteric viruses in water and soil. Data are summarized as regards: detection and survival of viruses in different types of water and in the soil, the characteristics of the transmission and the minimum infective dose of enteric viruses, reports on waterborne epidemic outbreaks of virus diseases. The necessity of establishing standards for the virus monitoring of waters and for the virus quality of drinking or recreational water is discussed. Considerations is given to the possible use of some indicators of enteric viruses in water. The different treatment procedures allowing removal of viruses from wastewater or from surface waters used as potable water sources are critically discussed.