Fecal pollution found in tap water near Tartu

TALLINN – Last weekend, the Estonian Health Board took tap water samples from the Ülenurme, Tõrvandi and Soinaste areas in Tartu County, and the analysis indicated fecal contamination.

Samples were taken from five points, with E. coli and coli-like bacteria detected in small quantities in four places and intestinal enterococci in two places. Deviations from the norms were found in samples from one apartment building, a private house and an educational institution. The results of the drinking water analysis obtained show that the drinking water is not of stable quality, the presence of indicator figures in drinking water indicates possible fecal pollution.

The epidemiological study began on April 22, when the first reports of cases were received, and the Health Board has so far been in contact with 151 patients. Since the beginning of the second wave of cases, that is, since May 1, the board has contacted 77 patients.

The symptoms are still the same -- vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and fever. The Health Board has also identified repeated cases of illness in the latest wave, and the symptoms are lasting longer than during the first wave. The outbreak has not caused additional strain on hospitals, but the number of ambulance calls to the area did increase in the short term.

Juta Varjas, head of service at the Health Board's department of communicable diseases, said that the findings identified with the samples and their amount may indicate fecal contamination of drinking water, but so far it has not been possible to identify its source.

"The Health Board will continue to take regular drinking water samples, as will Tartu Veevärk. Until then, the recommendation to boil drinking water will remain in force until three consecutive samples have been clean," Varjas said.

On Monday, Tartu Veevärk carried out a precautionary disinfection of the pipelines in the area, and these activities will continue in the coming days. After disinfection, the water may smell and taste like chlorine.

To avoid getting sick, drink boiled or bottled water, wash your hands with clean water and soap, clean contaminated surfaces, follow hygiene rules when caring for the sick, and stay home when sick.