ABSTRACT

This study has made progress on several fronts in estimating the benefits of avoiding an outbreak of a nonfatal waterborne disease—in this case, giardiasis. First, it developed theoretical models (1) to estimate losses to individuals who contracted giardiasis and thereby incurred expenses for medical treatment, lost time at work, and suffered diminished enjoyment of leisure activities; and (2) to estimate losses associated with activities taken to avoid drinking contaminated water. Second, the study developed measurement instruments used to collect data on the effects of an outbreak on individuals, businesses, and government agencies. Third, it used the theory and the measurement instruments to estimate the losses caused by an actual outbreak of giardiasis.