Viral infection from drinking water

Abstract

Water born enteric viruses pose thread to both human and animal life causing a wide range of illness. Ground water is the commonest transmission route for these viruses. About 50% of ground water related outbreaks are attributed to viruses. Viral infections have a long history of association with drinking water supplies. Evidence of water-borne transmission is predominantly based on epidemiological data. Water-borne disease transmission has only in exceptional cases been confirmed by direct detection of viruses in drinking water supplies. Water, a frequent vehicle, may permit their survival, but many environmental factors will have an adverse effect on the viral pollution. Risk evaluation requires identification of these factor and assessment of inactivation rate of infection viruses.