WATERBORNE CAMPYLOBACTER IN SWEDEN - THE COST OF AN OUTBREAK

Outbreaks of waterborne disease happen in Sweden, as in most other cou ntries; During the period 1980-1995, a total of 90 outbreaks were repo rted, involving about 50,000 sick people and two deaths. About 80% of the outbreaks are caused by unknown agents but Campylobacter is the mo st common agent. Between 1980 and 1995, 11 campylobacteriosis outbreak s were reported, three of which had 1,000->3,000 sick people involved. These waterborne outbreaks cost society, the water-treatment plant in volved and the sick person a lot of money. A waterborne outbreak also raises the question whether people can have confidence in the communit y tap water. (C) 1997 IAWQ. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.