In a recently published study in the China CDC Weekly, researchers detailed a significant outbreak in China in 2021, affecting nearly 1,000 individuals. The outbreak involved two pathogens, Campylobacter coli and human Sapovirus, with exposure to water from a secondary water supply system identified as a major risk factor.The study identified exposure to water from a secondary water supply system (WSS-S) as a major risk factor in the outbreak. The victims included 958 students and 38 staff members, all exhibiting symptoms of acute gastroenteritis.
Detailed investigations revealed that a hospital in Beijing initially identified 13 patients with acute gastroenteritis in the same school in July 2021. Subsequent epidemiological studies uncovered a total of 996 patients linked to the contaminated water source.
Major Findings:
The outbreak spanned 17 days and impacted 996 people, including 958 students and 38 staff members.
Symptoms included abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever, affecting both students and staff.
The source of contamination was traced to a secondary water supply system (WSS-S) in a school building. Another water supply system (WSS-H) in a hotel on the same campus also utilized the same groundwater source well (WSW).
Both WSS-H and WSS-S had separate facilities, with WSS-H effectively supervising water quality through chlorine dioxide disinfection.
However, WSS-S lacked effective management, with an uncovered sewage well and poor water quality in the storage tank and pump.
Case-control studies revealed that exposure to unboiled direct drinking water from the contaminated WSS-S increased the risk of illness.
The nearby garbage station and sewage well were identified as likely sources of contamination.
After a rainstorm, students reported turbid and unpleasant-smelling water. Replacing the water with commercially bottled water significantly decreased the number of patients.
Antibiotic Resistance:
Campylobacter coli isolates showed co-resistance to nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, and tetracycline.
Recommendations:
The study highlights the need for stringent measures to ensure the safety of drinking water, particularly in secondary supply systems.
Emphasis is placed on effective management practices, including proper facility placement, regular monitoring, and adequate disinfection procedures.
The report underlines the complexity of investigating and tracing pathogens in waterborne outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of thorough examination processes.
This outbreak underscores the critical importance of maintaining water safety to prevent large-scale waterborne outbreaks and protect public health.
