"Waterborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance in the United States: 2015-2020 Analysis"

Public health agencies in the U.S. voluntarily report waterborne disease outbreaks to CDC through the National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS). From 2015 to 2020, 214 drinking water-associated outbreaks were reported, resulting in at least 2,140 cases of illness, 563 hospitalizations, and 88 deaths. Legionella was the leading cause of outbreaks, hospitalizations, and deaths, particularly in community and noncommunity water systems, health care facilities, and private residences. Biofilm-associated pathogens, including Legionella and nontuberculous mycobacteria, emerged as predominant causes of hospitalizations and deaths from waterborne and drinking water-related diseases. Public health surveillance and prevention programs are crucial in reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.