United States: Hundreds of enteric disease outbreaks have been reported in the United States, along with 2,000 cases of illness were caused due to several pathogens, including E. coli, campylobacter or shigella. Almost all illnesses were linked with drinking water and 80 percent of the infections were associated to the public water systems.

The data was released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which noted that 214 enteric disease outbreaks were reported during 2015 and 2020.

Legionella – a major cause of public water system outbreaks!

As per the reports shared by the New York Post, around 28 states were analyzed to conduct the study. According to the researchers, the “most implicated etiology” or the cause was found to be legionella – a bacteria that results in Legionnaires’ disease.

Along with this, the public water system outbreaks are influenced by the prevalence of forever chemicals, microplastics and toxic contaminants. Beside this, the experts also recommended people that they should avoid using water from the faucet to clean contact lenses or clear wounds as the risk of the infection is very high.

In addition to this, the parents or guardians of small babies were also advised not to use the water to prepare infant formula as this age group was more vulnerable to illness.

The experts have underlined a question, while concluding the study, which stated that “Is it OK to drink from the tap?”

Comments by experts!

The director of infection prevention at Houston’s Memorial Hermann Health System – Dr. Linda Yancey, while having a conversation with Parade, mentioned that generally, the water in the US is “very safe.”

She further explained, “We have one of the most advanced water systems in the world, but untreated tap water is not the best choice for some.” The expert further commented that the water is still drinkable, but she did not recommend using the same water for things like neti pots, CPAP machines, and humidifiers.

Yancey was quoted saying, “Our body has defenses against these organisms like the acid in our stomachs and the robust immune protection in the GI tract. But when we use tap water in ways that bypass these protections, it can cause trouble,” the New York Post reported.

She then mentioned, “In CPAP machines and humidifiers, the water goes directly into the lungs and can cause pneumonia. For nasal irrigation, there is a small risk of an amebic infection because the water comes into contact with nerves that go straight to the brain.”

Death reported after taking water!

According to the reports, the death of a Florida resident was reported after he rinsed his nose with tap water, which was unboiled. The experts mentioned that the person succumbed to a rare “brain-eating” infection.

Babies and younger populations at high risk!

An assistant research professor at the University of Maryland – Dr Rianna Murray, warned the parents about the possible chances of developing methemoglobinemia or Blue Baby Syndrome.

While having a conversation with Parade, Murray mentioned, “People in regions with consistently good water quality might be less aware of the potential risks and may perceive water contamination as a problem that primarily affects other regions or communities.”

She continued, “In some cases, language barriers may prevent people from understanding available information about water quality in their area, limiting their awareness of potential risks.”

In addition to this, she advised the public to strictly follow the advisory by the experts or officials if it asked to crucially boil the tap water.

While elaborating the same, the Centers for Disease Control asked the people to stay concerned about private water systems as well, because those also aren’t safe and carries high level of dangers of contamination.

The experts have further mentioned that the high risk calls for better water quality surveillance.

Precautions suggested by experts!

The experts have asked the general public to “boil” water before using it for chores like drinking, making formula or using in CPAP machines. Accordingly, boiling is the best way to attain protection as it can remove common contaminants.

Along with this, the experts are also asked to report to the authorities if any changes in appearance, taste, or smell in the water are noted – if municipal water supplies are used. In this regard, Yancey mentioned, “If you are concerned about the pipes in your house, they can be inspected by a plumber to make sure there are no issues,” adding, “If you are on well water, you can arrange for an inspection of your system to be sure that it is safe and up to code.”