AWWA PATH56545

The actual condition of the waterborne infectious diseases in Japan in recent years is not widely known. A literature survey was conducted on the past 15 years. This is the first report of waterborne infectious disease outbreaks in Japan. It became clear that the number of outbreaks and cases due to waterborne infectious diseases in Japan in 1982-1996 was not less than 86 and 31487, respectively. Escherichia coli, Campylobacter and Shigella were the most major etiologic agents of waterborne infectious disease outbreaks in Japan. Direct use of contaminated groundwater caused 57 percent of outbreaks. A clear yearly trend in the number of outbreaks and cases were not observed, but a clear monthly trend in the number of outbreaks was observed. Includes 27 references, tables.