Infectious Diarrhea Outbreak in UK Tourists
Author Information
Author(s): Rachel M. Hardie, Patrick G. Wall, Patricia Gott, Madhu Bardhan, Christopher L.R. Bartlett
Primary Institution: PHLS, Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, London, United Kingdom
Hypothesis
What caused the outbreak of infectious diarrhea among UK tourists who stayed at a hotel in Greece?
Conclusion
The outbreak was linked to sewage contamination of the water supply, resulting in cases of giardiasis and viral gastroenteritis.
Supporting Evidence
- 70 laboratory-confirmed cases of giardiasis were identified.
- 58 cases were specifically linked to Giardia lamblia.
- Reports of problems with room water were documented from 51 groups.
- Consumption of reconstituted orange juice was associated with illness.
Takeaway
A lot of people got sick with diarrhea after staying at a hotel in Greece because the water was contaminated.
Methodology
A standard questionnaire was administered by telephone to guests who booked their holiday together, and stool specimens were collected for testing.
Potential Biases
Ill travelers may have been more likely to respond to the investigation, potentially skewing the data.
Limitations
The investigation was complicated by illness occurring in multiple countries and the underrecognition of cases due to limited stool testing.
Participant Demographics
Participants were primarily British tourists, with 54% male and 55% aged 16 or older.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.007
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website