A Hydric Outbreak in a Municipal Drinking – Water Supply in Kruja, Albania

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Contaminated drinking water causes extensive outbreaks of illness because of the large number of people served by water supply facility. AIM: The present study describes a community epidemic outbreak of infection with multiple pathogens in Kruja city, Albania, in October 2021. METHODS: This descriptive study presents a case of epidemic outbreak caused by the hydric system in the inhabitants of the Kruja city from October 23, 2021 to October 29, 2021. A standard questionnaire was used for interview that addressed clinical symptoms, food consumption, and environmental exposures. Clinical specimens were cultured using standard microbiological methods for bacterial and viral pathogens. During 6 days of epidemy, 690 patients were treated to the emergency room of Kruje hospital. RESULTS: Day 3 presented the highest number of patients 39.1% (270/690) and the last day of epidemy presented the lowest number of patients 1.4% (10/690). Abdominal pain continuing with vomiting was more frequently clinical sign among patients. The most affected age group is 15–44 years old, which is also the most active age group. Salmonella Gr. B and Norovirus G2 were the results taken from the examination of stool samples. Analysis of a water sample resulted in Enterococcus faecalis contamination. CONCLUSION: Problems with drinking water are still present in our country. The latest outbreak shows the special care and importance of safe storage and distribution of drinking water. Investments in water supply as well as rigorous monitoring of drinking water should be an absolute priority of both public health and local government employees.