Water- and foodborne viruses : current developments : water and food are still major sources of enteric viruses

Abstract

Despite the major advances made in preventive health care and food technology, water and foodborne transmission of human enteric viruses is a well-recognised widespread public health problem. Factors such as changing lifestyles and demographics, faster and more frequent travel, decreasing water supplies and the globalisation of the food industry have contributed to the increase in water- and foodborne infections. Water and food contaminated with viruses may conform to acceptable bacterial standards and look, taste and smell normal.