Cryptosporidium in water supplies: report of the Group of Experts - Tapa blanda

Cryptosporidium causes acute diarrhoeal illness in humans and there have been several outbreaks in recent years, giving rise to public concern. This report sets out what is known about the organism, its occurrence in the environment and its importance as a water-bourne infection for man. Although the number of cases of cryptosporidiosis appears to be increasing, it remains small in relation to the total number of cases of diarrhoeal illness. However, should mains water become contaminated, many people in the area of supply may become ill, giving rise to great public concern. It seems probable that the organism is present from time to time in all water sources in low numbers. Current water treatment processes are quite effective in dealing with these in low numbers, but should exceptional contamination of the source water occur, however carefully these processes are supervised and operated they cannot be guaranteed to prevent cryptosporidium getting through into the treated drinking water supply. It is hoped that as a result of a national programme of research initiated by the group of experts responsible for this report, more effective control of cryptosporidium in water supplies will become possible. In the interim, until the results of this programme are known, this report outlines a code of best practice to be followed by health authorities, local authorities and water companies acting in close collaboration, to minimise the risk of an outbreak should one occur.