Tainted Water Led To Campylobacter, Sapovirus Outbreak In China

Almost 1,000 people fell ill in a Campylobacter and Sapovirus outbreak in China in 2021, according to a recently released study.

Among 83 patients, 49 samples tested positive for Campylobacter coli, 39 tested positive for human Sapovirus, and 27 were positive for both pathogens.

The outbreak involved 996 patients and had two peaks over a 17-day period. Through case-control studies, scientists identified exposure to water from a secondary water supply system as a significant risk factor, as reported by Food Safety News (FSN).

Among 83 patients, 49 samples tested positive for Campylobacter coli, 39 tested positive for human Sapovirus, and 27 were positive for both pathogens.

Details on the first reported outbreak in China with infection by Campylobacter coli and Sapovirus were published in the journal China CDC Weekly.

In July 2021, a Beijing hospital identified 13 patients with acute gastroenteritis in the same school.

Epidemiological investigations later revealed 996 patients, including 958 students and 38 staff members. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

One direct drinking water (DDW) system supplied by a secondary water supply system (WSS-S) was identified in the school building. This DDW system offered unboiled direct drinking water (UDDW) and boiled.

The water source for WSS-S is a groundwater source well (WSW) within the campus. One hotel on the same campus also has its own secondary water supply system (WSS-H), which uses the WSW as its water source.

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