According to a study published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, cryptosporidium outbreaks in 40 states and Puerto Rico have increased by 13% year over year in this country. Leading causes for this illness include swallowing contaminated water in pools or water playgrounds, contact with infected cattle, and contact with infected people in childcare settings. From 2009 to 2017, there were 444 cryptosporidiosis outbreaks from 40 states and Puerto Rico that caused 7,465 illnesses. Twenty-two of those outbreaks were associated with unpasteurized milk and apple cider. And the report states that the outbreaks likely underestimate the actual number of cryptosporidiosis outbreaks, and the reported number of cases "likely underestimate the actual magnitude of individual … [Read more...]
Shades of Sherwood Campground Cryptosporidium Outbreak Grows to 72
The Shades of Sherwood Campground Cryptosporidium outbreak in Zumbrota, Minnesota has grown to include 72 sick. That is an increase of 69 more patients since the first outbreak notice was posted on August 3, 2018. The Minnesota Department of Health investigators are working with the owner to determine ongoing risks and to take steps to control those risks in the future. Information from the public helped determine the number of illnesses in this outbreak. The owner has taken several steps to prevent more illnesses of this type at the recommendation of health officials. The swimming pool was temporary closed and hyper-chlorinated to kill the parasite. The pool has reopened. The campground posted signs at the pool warning visitors not to swim for two weeks if they have been … [Read more...]
Cryptosporidiosis Outbreak at Shades of Sherwood Campground in Zumbrota, MN
An outbreak of cryptosporidiosis has occurred among people who visited the Shades of Sherwood Campground in Zumbrota, Minnesota. Three people have been sickened in this outbreak; one person has been hospitalized. One of these patients was also infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. Minnesota Department of health investigators want to speak with anyone who has visited the Shades of Sherwood Campground since July 1, 2018, whether or not they have been sick. The press release states that "This step is especially important in this investigation because MDH investigators have been unable to get key information from the facility itself." If you visited that campground during the month of July, please call the MDH Waterborne Diseases Unit at 651-201-5794. Cryptosporidiosis is a … [Read more...]
Water World Cryptosporidium Giardia Outbreak in Federal Heights, CO; Lawsuits
A cryptosporidium and giardia outbreak have been associated with the Water World park in Federal Heights, Colorado, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. Two people have been diagnosed with cryptosporidium infections, and one person has been diagnosed with a giardia infection. This Water World cryptosporidium giardia outbreak was reported on June 28, 2018. People who are at risk for these infections visited Water World on Monday, June 11, Tuesday, June 12, or Wednesday, June 13, 2018. A power outage and repair of an improperly installed back flow prevention assembly likely allowed water from an irrigation pond to flow into the Water World drinking supply. Untreated water may have contaminated swimming pools and water features, drinking … [Read more...]
CDC Tracks Cryptosporidium and Legionnaires Disease Outbreaks Traced to Treated Recreational Water
Cryptosporidium and Legionnaires' Disease outbreaks associated with treated creational water during 2000 to 2014 are traced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in their weekly Morbidity and Mortality Report for the week of May 18, 2018. During that time frame, 493 outbreaks caused at least 27,219 illnesses and eight deaths. Public health officials, owners of these parks, bathers, and parents of young children can help minimize the risk for these outbreaks. Cryptosporidium outbreaks increased 25% by year during the 2000 - 2006 seasons, but no significant trend occurred after 2007. These outbreaks are caused by both pathogens and chemicals in venues such as pools, hot tubs and spas, and interactive water play features. Among the 363 outbreaks with a confirmed … [Read more...]
E. coli and Cryptosporidium Cases Rise in Michigan
Cases of E. coli and Cryptosporidium increased this summer in two counties in Michigan, according to the Health Department. Jennifer Morse, medical director of three regional health departments in that state said in a statement, "These increases are concerning because the resulting illness can be life-threatening. With the investigations that have been completed thus far, the major source seems to be coming from farm animals." These illnesses occurred in Mecosta and Newaygo counties in Michigan. This is important information, since we are approaching the time when many farms open their gates to tourism. Apple picking season is here. Deadly food poisoning outbreaks linked to farms have increased in the past few years. In fact, in 2013, an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak at Dehn's Pumpkins in … [Read more...]
Pennsylvania Cryptosporidium Outbreak at Easton Farm
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDH) is warning visitors to a Northampton County animal rescue farm that a Cryptosporidium outbreak is related to infected manure at that farm. The Heaven on Earth Farm is located in Easton, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy said in a statement, "Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can be found in water, food and soil, as well as on contaminated surfaces or dirty hands. Anyone sickened after visiting or working on the farm since February 14, 2017 is advised to contact the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH and to talk to their personal physician. Even residents who may have come into contact with a visitor to the farm should take precautions to prevent the spread of this parasite, mainly through hand-washing … [Read more...]
Cryptosporidium Outbreak in NM Associated with Raw Milk
The New Mexico Department of Health says that they are investigating six cases of cryptosporidiosis associated with raw milk products. That illness is caused by the Cryptosporidium parasite. Also investigating the outbreak are the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and the New Mexico Environment Department. Those cases have been reported to the government since August 31, 2016. Each person sickened said they consumed raw milk products before getting sick. All of those sickened live in Bernalillo County. There is no word on any potential recall, or if any of the patients have been hospitalized, their ages, or conditions. Secretary of Health Designate Lynn Gallagher said in a statement, "raw milk products may be contaminated with a variety of infectious pathogens. We are … [Read more...]
Cryptosporidium Outbreak in Central Ohio
A Cryptosporidium outbreak in central Ohio has sickened at least 202 people, according to a press release by Columbus Public Health. That number is more than the last four years combined. The outbreak is not tied to a central location, since many of those sickened include people with multiple exposures at different local recreational pools, spray fountains, and water parks. Cryptosporidium is a parasite that causes an illness in people. The main symptom of this disease is severe diarrhea.When people go swimming, or eat contaminated food, they ingest the oocyst and the parasite life cycle begins. The parasite is in oocyst form during the infective stage. It only takes 10 of these little oocysts, which are about half the size of a red blood cell, to make someone sick. Crypto … [Read more...]
Cryptosporidium Outbreak at Litchfield Farm Sickens School Children
School field trips to a Litchfield, MN farm have resulted in more than 10 cases of diarrheal illness from animal contact, including three cases of laboratory-confirmed Cryptosporidium infection. All of those sickened reported visiting Nelson Farm on a school field trip starting on May 9. The children sickened are from five different schools, but numerous school groups visited the farm through May 25, so there could be many more children who become ill. The Minnesota Department of Health is investigating an outbreak and has issued a health advisory to local and tribal health departments, hospitals, clinics and healthcare providers. Stool samples from patients with with vomiting and diarrhea should be tested for bacterial and parasitic pathogens with a specific request for … [Read more...]
