Tracing the source of a community-wide gastroenteric outbreak caused by Campylobacter in Finland

Abstract: Community-associated foodborne or waterborne outbreaks are rather common. Waterborne outbreaks often occur in communities where groundwater is used as a source and is distributed nondisinfected. If it is microbiologically contaminated, the barriers preventing distribution of contaminated tap water are minor. Local public health authorities require strategies and plans to clarify how to manage future waterborne outbreaks and prevent such incidents. The case deals with a waterborne outbreak in a small community in Finland, requisition of patient and epidemiological data, and how the outbreak was identified and controlled.