Project ID:2006VI78B
Title: A prospective epidemiological study on the morbidity of bathers exposed to coastal waters in the Caribbean
Project Type: Research
Start Date: 03/01/2006
End Date: 02/28/2007
Congressional District: Not Applicable
Focus Categories: Water Quality, Water Use, Recreation
Keywords: Recreational waters, epidemiological studies, tropical waters, indicators of risk
Principal Investigators: Toranzos, Gary; Smith, Henry H. (Water Resources Research Institute, UVI)
Federal Funds: $22,228
Non-Federal Matching Funds: 0
Abstract: In the Caribbean and other tropical areas of the world beaches are frequented by both tourists and native visitors throughout the year because of the warm climate conditions. Thus, the microbial water quality of the waters is of great concern to protect swimmer's health. Sewage effluents, and run-off are sources of fecal bacteria, which may include enteric pathogens, in these coastal waters. To the present, no study has been carried out to quantify the risk of morbidity in those beach-goers who may be exposed to contaminated waters. We propose to carry out such a study in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands in order to quantify the prevalence of illness symptoms in swimmers from beaches in Puerto Rico and to make inferences as to the best possible microbial indicators of pollution in the waters.
Progress/Completion Report, PDF