Deadly Bacterial Infections Spread in Tap Water, CDC Warns: Are Your Faucets Safe? | Top Vip News

Health

By Brooke Kato

This will leave a bad taste in your mouth.

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that, from 2015 to 2020, 214 enteric disease outbreaks (caused by pathogens such as E. coli, campylobacter, or shigella) and more than 2,000 cases of illness were associated with drinking water , 80% of which were linked to public water systems.

The study, which analyzed data from 28 states, found that Legionella, a biofilm bacteria that can cause potentially fatal Legionnaires’ disease, was the most implicated “etiology,” or cause, of outbreaks in public water systems.

Coupled with the prevalence of “permanent chemicals,” microplastics, and toxic contaminants (like arsenic, uranium, lead, and more) in our water, it begs the question: Is it okay to drink from the tap?

Water in the U.S. is generally “very safe,” said Dr. Linda Yancey, director of infection prevention at Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston. said parade.

“We have one of the most advanced water systems in the world, but raw tap water is not the best option for some,” he explained.

While it may be safe to drink when you’re thirsty, experts recommend against using tap water in devices like neti pots, CPAP machines, and humidifiers.

“Our body has defenses against these organisms, such as stomach acid and the strong immune protection of the gastrointestinal tract,” Yancey explained. “But when we use tap water in ways that circumvent these protections, it can cause problems.”

He added: “In CPAP machines and humidifiers, water goes directly to the lungs and can cause pneumonia. For nasal irrigation, there is a small risk of amoebic infection because the water comes into contact with the nerves that go directly to the brain.”

Last year, a Florida resident died after contracting a rare “brain-eating” infection after rinsing his nose with unboiled tap water.

Experts also warned against using tap water to clean wounds and contact lenses due to the high risk of infection, as well as preparing infant formula, as babies are more vulnerable to illness.

Too much exposure to nitrates can cause babies to develop methemoglobinemia, or “blue baby syndrome,” warned Dr. Rianna Murray, a research assistant professor at the University of Maryland.

“People in regions with consistently good water quality might be less aware of potential risks and perceive water pollution as a problem that primarily affects other regions or communities,” Murray told Parade.

“In some cases, language barriers may prevent people from understanding the information available about water quality in their area, limiting their knowledge of potential risks.”

So if health officials warn you that “it’s crucial to boil tap water” before using it for anything, be careful, he noted.

Even private water systems, such as wells, are not safe from the dangers of contamination, according to the CDC report, which calls for better monitoring of water quality.

But the average person can take control of water quality into their own hands.

Boiling water for one minute is safe for making formula, using in CPAP machines, and drinking, while filters can remove common contaminants, as long as it is used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you use municipal water supplies, experts also recommended reporting any changes in appearance, taste or odor to your water company and reading your city’s annual drinking water quality report required by the Environmental Protection Agency.

“If you are concerned about the pipes in your home, a plumber can inspect them to make sure there are no problems,” Yancey said. “If you have well water, you can schedule an inspection of your system to make sure it is safe and up to code.”