Surveillance and outbreak management of water-related infectious diseases associated with water-supply systems

Overview

The Protocol on Water and Health to the 1992 Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes is the key policy instrument for promoting better health through effective water management and water-related disease surveillance. Despite high access rates to improved water supplies, drinking-water supply systems are among the most important sources of water-related infectious diseases (‎WRID)‎ posing a threat to public health in the pan-European region. This publication addresses surveillance and outbreak management of WRID associated with drinking-water supply systems, building on existing guidelines for infectious disease surveillance and outbreak response. It aims to help countries to build on and strengthen their systems by providing technical information on the specific features, activities and methodologies related to WRID surveillance and outbreak management.