Waterborne Outbreaks
Contact Info
Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division
651-201-5414
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.
- Reporting Suspected Waterborne Illness
- 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.
Last Updated: 10/05/2022