Waterborne Outbreak Detection
Waterborne outbreaks are detected in a variety of ways at the Minnesota Department of Health.
Routine surveillance interviews
- Some outbreaks are detected through routine surveillance activities that include interviewing all persons who are diagnosed with a reportable disease.
- An investigation is initiated when multiple cases report a common exposure, such as swimming at the same pool or beach or drinking from a common water source.
Reports of suspected waterborne illness
- The Minnesota Department of Health receives reports of suspected waterborne illness from the general public through local health departments or through the MDH foodborne and waterborne illness hotline.
- Reporting Suspected Waterborne Illness
Please call the Minnesota Department of Health if you suspect you have a waterborne illness. MDH will relay the necessary information to the appropriate local health authorities.
- Reporting Suspected Waterborne Illness
- Healthcare providers may report suspected outbreaks if they see an unexpected number of patients with gastrointestinal illness.
- Other groups such as recreational water facilities, daycare providers, or schools may also report outbreaks to MDH.
To report a suspected foodborne or waterborne illness call 1-877-FOOD-ILL.
Spotlight
Waterborne Illness
Waterborne illness is caused by recreational or drinking water contaminated by disease-causing microbes or pathogens. Of note, many waterborne pathogens can also be acquired by consuming contaminated food or beverages, from contact with animals or their environment, or through person-to-person spread.
Norovirus Infection
Noroviruses are members of a group of viruses called caliciviruses also known previously as “Norwalk-like viruses.” Learn more about Norovirus, how to minimize your risk of acquiring norovirus infection, required reporting information, clinical features, laboratory diagnosis, treatment and more.
There's No Such Thing as "Stomach Flu" (PDF)
Complaints of "stomach flu" are usually norovirus, the most common cause of gastrointestinal illness.
Food Safety Basics: Preventing Foodborne Illness
There's a lot you can do to handle and prepare your food safely. Learn what you can do to prepare, serve and store food safely.
Protect others if you are experiencing diarrhea!
Anyone with a diarrheal illness should avoid swimming in public pools or lakes, sharing baths with others, and preparing food for others.
Contact us:
If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.
