Waterborne Outbreak Detection

Waterborne outbreaks are detected in a variety of ways at the Minnesota Department of Health.

Routine surveillance interviews

• Some outbreaks are detected through routine surveillance activities that include interviewing all persons who are diagnosed with a reportable disease.
• An investigation is initiated when multiple cases report a common exposure, such as swimming at the same pool or beach or drinking from a common water source.

Reports of suspected waterborne illness

• The Minnesota Department of Health receives reports of suspected waterborne illness from the general public through local health departments or through the MDH foodborne and waterborne illness hotline.
  • Reporting Suspected Waterborne Illness
    Please call the Minnesota Department of Health if you suspect you have a waterborne illness. MDH will relay the necessary information to the appropriate local health authorities.
• Healthcare providers may report suspected outbreaks if they see an unexpected number of patients with gastrointestinal illness.
• Other groups such as recreational water facilities, daycare providers, or schools may also report outbreaks to MDH.