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A mixed outbreak of cryptosporidium and campylobacter infection associated with a private water supply

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

L. A. Duke ,
A. S. Breathnach ,
D. R. Jenkins ,
B. A. Harkis  and
A. W. Codd
L. A. Duke
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health Medicine, Northumberland Health Authority, East Cottingwood, Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 2PD
A. S. Breathnach*
Affiliation:
Public Health Laboratory, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6BE
D. R. Jenkins
Affiliation:
Public Health Laboratory, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6BE
B. A. Harkis
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health Medicine, Northumberland Health Authority, East Cottingwood, Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 2PD
A. W. Codd
Affiliation:
Public Health Laboratory, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6BE
*
* Author for correspondence.
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Summary

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In an outbreak of gastroenteritis affecting 43 people, cryptosporidium and campylobacter were isolated from stool specimens and in two cases dual infection was found. All the cases had drunk unboiled water from a private untreated water supply.

Investigations revealed the carcasses of three lambs in a collection chamber connected with the water supply, and these, or run-off of slurry from surrounding fields, were the presumed source of contamination. Issues relating to the maintenance and monitoring of private water supplies are discussed. Problems with such supplies include old piping, proximity of livestock, inadequate knowledge of the layout and limited resources for monitoring and maintenance.

Type
Special Article
Information
Epidemiology & Infection , Volume 116 , Issue 3 , June 1996 , pp. 303 - 308
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996

References

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