In May 2017, a fatal case of Shiga toxin-producing <i>Escherichia coli</i> (STEC) with haemolytic uremic syndrome was investigated by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and a local government authority. Investigation revealed the case used rainwater harvested from the roof of their home and stored in tanks as a private drinking water supply, despite the availability of a reticulated supply from the local water authority. <i>Escherichia coli</I> Stx1 and Stx2 genes were detected in a water sample collected from the private drinking water supply, consistent with those earlier identified in the case’s faecal sample. This case study highlights the potential risks of STEC infection from private drinking water supplies, the importance of proper maintenance of such supplies, and the preferable use of reticulated water supplies when available. It also demonstrated an effective collaboration between local and state government for an environmental public health investigation.
A fatal case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli linked to a private drinking water supply