Members of the enteric viruses infect the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals, and are excreted in feces. If the feces enter a surface water system, there is potential for the spread of waterborne disease. Enteric viruses of particular concern in water are hepatitis A, Norwalk-type viruses, rotaviruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, and reoviruses. HAV is readily transmitted through water. HAV causes infectious hepatitis, an illness characterized by inflammation and necrosis of the liver.
Rotaviruses cause acute gastroenteritis, especially in children.
Adenoviruses can infect both the intestine and the upper respiratory tract. Enteroviruses can infect both the intestine and the upper respiratory tract. Enteroviruses have been detected in wastewater, natural water, and finished drinking water. Reoviruses can infect both the intestine and the upper respiratory tract. Reoviruses have been detected in wastewater, natural water, and finished drinking water.