Study objective -To examine (i) the extent of illness caused by contamination of a waterworks with waste water due to overflow, and its correlation with precipitation; (ii) the potential secondary spread; (iii) economic losses due to sick leave. Design -A historical follow up study with structured postal questionnaires. Setting -A small community on the outskirts of greater Copenhagen at the end of 1991 and the beginning of 1992.

The charts of 187 patients diagnosed at Hvidovre University Hospital, Copenhagen from 1981 through 1989 as having AIDS were reviewed retrospectively in order to examine the extent of their employment and alternative sources of income during the first 2 years after diagnosis. At the time of diagnosis, 50% were actively employed, 15% were on sick leave, and 19% were receiving a pension. The remaining 16% were either receiving unemployment benefits, on welfare, students, or supported by family or friends. The proportion of patients actively employed declined to 22% one month after the time of diagnosis. After 2 years, only 6% still worked, while 22% had a pension. Sixty-seven percent had died. The major source of income during these first 2 years after diagnosis was a pension, most often a disability pension. During this period the total average disbursement of public allowances per patient amounted to US$16,150. As shown here, the work capacity of AIDS patients is quite low, and alternative sources of income must be provided.