| The quality of drinking water quality in the United States is among the best in the world. Nonetheless, pathogens are present in source waters that are used for drinking water. Water in general and floodwaters specifically can spread pathogens within watersheds by mobilizing pathogens in the environment and transporting them. Previous research has identified a positive association between gastrointestinal illness and meteorological variables, including heavy precipitation. This study analyzes patterns of gastrointestinal illness and their relationship with various demographic variables and precipitation across the state of North Carolina. Results show the strongest demographic relationships between poverty indicators and disease. Moreover, this study identifies increases in the rate of gastrointestinal illness after periods of heavy rainfall. Several geographical clusters of high disease occurrence are identified at the county level, with seven counties across the state showing 300% and greater increases in average rates of ED admissions after heavy rainfall. |
