Water related disease outbreak (WRDO) statistics in Italy from 1998 to 2005 have been discussed in this paper. The true incidence of WRDO is not reflected in the National Surveillance System (NSS), although this study has provided information on pathogens associated to different water sources, incidence in Regions and inadequacy of regulations. 192 outbreaks and 2546 cases of WRD were reported to the NSS, an average of 318 cases per year. Cases were associated to shellfish (58.79%), drinking water (39.94%) and agricultural products (1.25%). WRDs have been detected in 76% of Regions: central and southern Regions showed lower percentage of cases (35.4%) due to under-reporting. Most of WRD cases in the North were related to drinking water; WRDs in marine coastal Regions were mostly related to shellfish. 49% of Districts (Province) notified WRDs, including only 101 Municipalities. Pathogenic microorganisms were identified in a few cases from clinical investigations. They included enteric viruses, Norwalk viruses, Salmonella, Shigella, Giardia and Campylobacter. There is the need to improve the existing NSS in relation to WRDs. An adequate WRDs Surveillance System should be based on connection between health and environmental authorities, priority pathogens and critical areas identification, response capability and contingency plans.
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Research Article|
March 01 2008
Water-related diseases outbreaks reported in Italy
Monica Francesca Blasi;
1Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
Fax: 0649902295; E-mail: [email protected]
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Mario Carere;
Mario Carere
1Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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Maria Grazia Pompa;
Maria Grazia Pompa
2Department of Prevention and Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Via della Civiltà Romana, 7, 00144, Rome, Italy
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Elvira Rizzuto;
Elvira Rizzuto
2Department of Prevention and Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Via della Civiltà Romana, 7, 00144, Rome, Italy
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Enzo Funari
Enzo Funari
1Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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J Water Health (2008) 6 (3): 423–432.
Article history
Received:
July 26 2007
Accepted:
September 28 2007
Citation
Monica Francesca Blasi, Mario Carere, Maria Grazia Pompa, Elvira Rizzuto, Enzo Funari; Water-related diseases outbreaks reported in Italy. J Water Health 1 September 2008; 6 (3): 423–432. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/wh.2008.063
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