Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Campylobacter,Campylobacter Attorney,Campylobacter Lawsuit,Campylobacter Lawyer,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on April 15, 2023
A Campylobacter outbreak linked to raw water in a small Montana Community is under investigation.
Raw milk, raw cheese, and raw juice are all known to incur a certain level of risk – especially in certain groups of people. For instance, those with a weakened immune system, the elderly, and those who are pregnant. But raw water?
The CDC’s Notes from the Field, published in their Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) discussed an outbreak linked to “raw water” in a small Montana community that took place in 2022. In this case, raw water is considered untreated water, such as rainwater or other naturally occurring water sources.
The outbreak investigation began in early May 2022 when Sanders County, located in the state of Montana, reported that there were 6 active cases of Campylobacter infection in their community to the state health department.
Why did these 6 cases prompt such concern? On top of it being an outbreak that needed investigation, it was a substantial increase of Campylobacter cases. In fact, the 5-year average was only about 6 cases in a year. This was 6 cases in a short period of time that might be related. These cases got some attention.
Traceback activities reported that all infected patients reported drinking water from a common source – an outlet of surface water from a creek near Paradise, Montana, prior to becoming sick. During the next 6 weeks, another 13 cases of a strain of Campylobacter called Campylobacter jejuni were reported. All linked to the same water source. Of these 19 cases, one was serious enough to require hospitalization. No deaths were reported in connection with the outbreak.
Shortly after, Sanders County Public Health Environmental Health staff members collected samples from the water source. Campylobacter bacteria were found in the water samples. Genetic testing (whole genome sequencing) revealed that the patient samples and the water samples were both positive for genetically similar strains of Campylobacter.
We have a match!
Patient interviews and laboratory testing provided “confirmatory evidence” that the sick patient’s illness was a result of drinking water directly from the implicated water source.
The water source in question was located on railroad property belonging to the Montana Department of Transportation. According to sources, this watering point was most likely constructed in the early 1900’s to prevent the creek from eroding the railroad track bed.
Owners of the adjacent land began to use this as a water source for “domestic and agricultural purposes” and has evolved into a drinking water source.
Many people in the community believed the water to be safe for drinking water because it was a “natural spring,” despite the water coming out of the concrete box being untreated surface water. They ignored the signage posted by the Montana Department of Transportation in prior to the outbreak that the water outlet was “Not an Approved Water Source” and “Non Potable Water.”
Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; (A) Before Outbreak, (B) After Closure
Members of the community used a variety of water collection techniques as simple as filling containers placed directly under the water outlet to placing containers directly into the water in the concrete box, and even elaborate methods such as placing pumps or suction lines into the water to fill larger containers.
During the course of the investigation, an unoccupied bird’s nest was found inside the box where the water sample was collected. While no birds were present at the time of sample collection, it is possible that birds may be the source of the Campylobacter contamination. Birds are a known source of Campylobacter bacteria.
Despite the signage indicating that the water was “not an approved public water source,” technically the situation met the criteria for the definition of a “public water supply” and thus needed to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act or be permanently removed. The Montana Department of Transportation opted to permanently remove access on June 28, 2028. This was performed by rerouting the creek so that the water remained underground and was unable to be collected.
After the closure, no additional Campylobacter cases were reported.
The community using the drinking water may have assumed that the water was from a natural spring, but consuming water from outdoor sources should always be treated. This includes creeks, streams, rivers, and concrete boxes next to a sign that says “Not an Approved Water Source.”
But in all seriousness, sometimes you might find yourself in a situation where you may need to drink or use non-conventional, untreated, or poorly treated water sources. A few extra steps can help you stay safe.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that the only way to completely eliminate pathogens from water is to boil it. Other water treatment methods may be effective in certain circumstances.
There are all kinds of bad bugs that could be lurking in the water, and I’m not talking about mosquito larvae (though I would rather not drink those either).
Commonly found pathogens include:
The best way to treat pathogens in the water is to boil it. Boiling water can kill most protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. Boiling cannot, however, denature all toxins produced by said pathogens.
There are specific protocols to ensure you are boiling sufficiently to kill the ‘killable’ pathogens.
Altitudes under 6,500 feet (2,000 meters): Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 full minute
Altitudes over 6,500 feet (2,000 meters): Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 3 minutes.
The filtration method employs filters with pore sizes sufficient to allow water through, but small enough so that certain particle sized contaminants or pathogens may not pass. To use a filtration method, follow the manufacture’s instructions. Also note that only filters that contain a chemical disinfectant matrix will be effective against certain viruses.
The disinfection method can be used to reduce the amount of pathogens present in the water. Several factors affect this method’s effectiveness. Variables such as disinfection concentration, water temperature, water pH, contact time, and many others can impact the effectiveness of chemical disinfection. Refer to manufacturer’s instructions for exact details and limitation.
If boiling water is not possible, a combination of other methods may be used. Options like filtration and chemical disinfection may be the most effective option. Always follow manufacturer’s instruction for details and potential limitations.
UV light has the ability to kill certain pathogens, or greatly reduce their numbers. But there are major limitations to this method. First, this method requires effective prefiltering. Cloudy water is not effective with this method. Correct power delivery and contact times also contribute to this method’s effectiveness.
Iodine can be used as a disinfectant. But is not recommended over an extended period (no more than a few weeks at a time). The use of iodine is not recommended for pregnant women, those with thyroid problems, and of course those with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to iodine.
If possible, it is always best to err on the side of caution and only consume potable water sources.
If you’d like to know more about food safety topics in the news, like “Campylobacter Outbreak Linked to Raw Water in a Small Montana Community,” check out the Make Food Safe Blog. We regularly update trending topics, foodborne infections in the news, recalls, and more! Stay tuned for quality information to help keep your family safe, while The Lange Law Firm, PLLC strives to Make Food Safe!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)