What are the diarrheal disease-causing organisms that are most likely to contaminate floodwaters in the United States?
The most common waterborne diarrheal disease-causing organisms in the United States are Shigella, norovirus, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia. These are all pathogens (germs) that may already be present in untreated groundwater in many states. During normal, non flood situation, the water treatment process removes them from the water you use for drinking, cooking, and washing. In an emergency response situation when water treatment facilities may not be functioning at full capacity, there is a substantial risk that these pathogens (germs) will spread among populations in shelters, camps or temporary housing unless the sanitary facilities are adequate and soiling with feces or vomit is rapidly cleaned and disinfected. These pathogens (germs) may cause waterborne outbreaks or epidemics if many people drink contaminated water. Food prepared by infected persons, or food prepared with sewage-contaminated water, can also spread infection. How can I protect myself from d
