Is it estimated that less than 62% of water and foodborne diseases are not reported?

The assertion that less than 62% of water and foodborne diseases are not reported aligns with findings from various public health studies. Estimates suggest that a significant portion of water and foodborne illnesses goes unreported for several reasons. Many individuals may experience mild symptoms that do not prompt them to seek medical attention, leading to a notable underreporting of cases. Additionally, there are gaps in surveillance systems that do not capture all incidents, especially in cases where individuals may not access healthcare services or where the connection to contaminated food or water is not made by healthcare providers.

Public health professionals emphasize the importance of enhancing surveillance and reporting mechanisms to better understand the true burden of these diseases. Improved awareness among healthcare providers and the public about the symptoms and sources of water and foodborne illnesses can help increase reporting rates, but as it stands, the estimate reflects a serious public health issue that remains prevalent and under-recognized. Thus, confirming that less than 62% of these diseases go unreported is consistent with the established understanding of the challenges in tracking such illnesses.