Tropical cyclones in the United States often result in destructive flooding that contaminates water sources and can lead to adverse health outcomes. However, few studies have examined the effects of storm-driven flooding on specific infections over time. Using 23 years of data, researchers assessed the impact of tropical cyclones on six waterborne diseases in a conditional quasi-Poisson model. Exposure to storm-related rainfall was found to increase the risk of Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli infections by 48% one week after storms, and Legionnaires’ disease by 42% two weeks after storms. Cryptosporidiosis cases increased by 52% during storm weeks but declined over time. As climate change and aging water infrastructure systems continue to affect the country, tropical cyclones are likely to become an even more serious risk to public health.

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