| Enteroviruses and Drinking Water
from Private Wells
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(98 KB/2 pages) What are enteroviruses?
Enteroviruses are a group of small viruses.� There are two
subgroups of enteroviruses: viruses that cause polio and viruses that cause
non-polio-related diseases.� The non-polio enteroviruses are second only
to cold viruses as the most common cause of viral infections in humans.�
Enterovirus infections are most likely to occur
during the summer and fall.� They cause an estimated 10-15 million or more
illnesses a year in the United States.� Most enteroviruses are found in every part of the United
States and throughout the world.
How can I become infected
with enteroviruses?
You may become infected
if you come in direct contact with:
- Respiratory secretions from an infected person (e.g., saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus),
- Surfaces or objects (e.g., drinking glasses or telephones) contaminated by the virus, or
- Stools of an infected person (e.g., through changing diapers of an infected infant or child)
Where and how common are enteroviruses found in drinking water?
Enteroviruses may be found
in water sources such as private wells.� Wells become contaminated when
feces from infected humans enter the water through various means, including
sewage overflows or broken sewage systems.
What are the symptoms
of an enterovirus infection?
Most people who have an enterovirus infection show no symptoms at
all.� Infected individuals who become ill usually develop cold-like
symptoms.� Some people develop a flu-like illness with fever and muscle
aches, or an illness with a rash.� The symptoms typically last 7-10
days.
What should I do if I
think I have an enterovirus infection?
See your health care provider
to discuss your concerns.
How is an enterovirus
infection diagnosed?
Laboratory tests can tell
if enteroviruses are the cause of your illness.� These tests are not always
performed, and the laboratory usually needs to be instructed specifically
to look for the organism.��
What is the treatment for enterovirus infections?
There is no specific treatment available.�
Treatment of mild cases usually relieves symptoms such as fever, headache,
and discomfort.�� In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.� In
some cases, the illness will go away without any treatment. Consult
with your health care provider.�
How do I remove enteroviruses from my drinking water?
Heating water at a full boil for 1 minute (3 minutes if you
live in a high altitude) will kill or inactivate enteroviruses.� Water
should then be stored in a clean container with a lid and refrigerated.
Because of the small size of the viruses, a point-of-use
filter will not remove them from water.�
You may also disinfect your well, although enteroviruses
may be fairly resistant to disinfection.� Contact your local health department
for recommended procedures.� Remember to have your well water tested regularly
after disinfection to make sure the problem does not happen again.
Revised Summer 2003
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