Increased Risks of Waterborne Disease Outbreaks in Northern Ontario due to Climate Change

Wang, Yi; McBean, Edward A.; Gharabaghi, Bahram

doi:10.14796/jwmm.c436

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 26 publications

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“…For instance, Chhetri et al's study in Vancouver investigated the effects of only extreme precipitation on the increase of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis cases among residents [13]. Similarly, studies in Toronto (Ontario) also focused mainly on the effects of extreme precipitation only [2,12]; one study investigated the turbidity of surface water with regards to heavy rainfall but did not consider exposure of turbid water exposure in residences [14]. With Toronto still using the combined sewer systems (which is prone to backing up/flowing out in homes), investigating the impacts of other flood indicators, especially those related to exposures in homes, is crucial [15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Relationship between extreme precipitation and acute gastrointestinal illness in Toronto, Ontario, 2012–2022

Ethan,

Sanchez,

Grant

et al. 2024

Epidemiol. Infect.

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Extreme precipitation events are occurring more intensely in Canada. This can contaminate water sources with enteric pathogens, potentially increasing the risk of acute gastrointestinal illness. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between extreme precipitation and emergency department (ED) visits for acute gastrointestinal illness in Toronto from 2012 to 2022. Distributed lag non-linear models were constructed on ED visit counts with a Quasi Poisson distribution. Extreme precipitation was modelled as a 21-day lag variable, with a linear relationship assumed at levels ≧95th percentile. Separate models were also conducted on seasonspecific data sets. Daily precipitation and gastrointestinal illness ED visits ranged between 0 to 126 mm, and 12 to 180 visits respectively. Overall, a 10-mm increase in precipitation >95th percentile had no significant relationship with the risk of ED visits. However, stratification by seasons revealed significant relationships during spring (lags 1-19, peak at lag 14 RR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.06); the overall cumulative effect across the 21-day lag was also significant (RR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.47, 2.57). Extreme precipitation has a seasonal effect on gastrointestinal health outcomes in Toronto city, suggesting varying levels of enteric pathogen exposures through drinking water or other environmental pathway during different seasons.

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