Assessment of Risks Associated with Enteric Viruses in Contaminated Drinking Water

Charles P. Gerba, Charles N. Haas

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

It is now well established that enteric viruses, such as hepatitis A, Norwalk, rotavirus, and so forth, can be transmitted by sewage-contaminated water and food. Standards for viruses in water have been suggested by the World Health Organization and several other organizations. Few attempts have been made to assess the risks associated with exposure to low numbers of enteric viruses in the environment. To determine the risks that may be associated with exposure to human enteric viruses, the literature on minimum infectious dose, incidence of clinical illness, and mortality was reviewed. This information was then used to assess the probability of infection, illness, and mortality for individuals consuming drinking water containing various concentrations of enteric viruses. Risks were determined on a daily, annual, and lifetime basis. This analysis suggested that significant risks of illness (> 1:10 000) and mortality (> 1:1 000 000) may arise from the exposure to low levels of the enteric virus.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationChemical and Biological Characterization of Municipal Sludges, Sediments, Dredge Spoils and Drilling Muds
EditorsJames J. Lichtenberg, John A. Winter, Cornelius I. Weber, Larry Fradkin
PublisherASTM International
Pages489-494
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9780803109872
DOIs
StatePublished - 1988
Event1986 Symposium on Chemical and Biological Characterization of Municipal Sludges, Sediments, Dredge Spoils, and Drilling Muds - Cincinnati, United States
Duration: May 20 1986May 22 1986

Publication series

NameASTM Special Technical Publication
VolumeSTP 976
ISSN (Print)0066-0558

Conference

Conference1986 Symposium on Chemical and Biological Characterization of Municipal Sludges, Sediments, Dredge Spoils, and Drilling Muds
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCincinnati
Period5/20/865/22/86

Keywords

  • drinking water
  • enteric viruses
  • ground water
  • infectious dose
  • risk assessment
  • sludge disposal

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science

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