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...]
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...]
Outbreak at Traverse City’s Clinch Park Splash Pad After Sewage Backup
The new splash pad at Traverse City's Clinch Park is the center of an investigation after about a dozen people have complained of gastrointestinal illnesses after visiting the attraction. The splash pad has been closed after the event that occurred on 6/30/13 between 10:00 to 10:15 am. The park may be closed for several weeks. Public health officials are warning parents of children who played in the waterscape at that time to watch for signs of illness. They are also warning anyone who visited the park on Saturday, June 29, 2013 to watch for signs of illness. Those symptoms may include gastrointestinal problems, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, visible signs of infection in an open wound or rash, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin). Any illnesses should start over … [Read more...]
CDC Releases Cryptosporidiosis Surveillance Report
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released its 2009 - 2010 surveillance summary for Cryptosporidium in the United States. The Cryptosporidium protozoa causes the gastrointestinal illness cryptosporidiosis. During the reporting period, fifty state and two metropolitan public health agencies (District of Columbia and New York City) reported cases of the disease through the CDC's National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. In 2009, 7,656 confirmed and probable cases were reported. That increased to 8,951 confirmed and probable cases in 2010. The cases were most frequently reported in children aged 1 to 9 years, followed by adults aged 25 to 29 years. The cryptosporidiosis rate in the Midwest was 1.3 to 2.9 times greater than other regions in 2009 and 1.8 to 4.6 … [Read more...]
Cryptosporidium Outbreak at Minnesota Water Parks
There has been an outbreak of Cryptosporidium at two Minnesota water parks. This parasite causes a gastrointestinal disease with diarrhea. While most people recover in a couple of weeks, some people can develop life-threatening complications. Children, the elderly, those with compromised immune systems, and anyone with a chronic illness are most susceptible to complications. The parasite's oocysts can resist many different disinfectants. Transmission is from fecal contamination in the water; swimmers swallow water that contains the parasite. Trisha Robinson, Epidemiologist in Acute Disease Investigation and Control at the Minnesota Department of Health told Food Poisoning Bulletin that there was an outbreak at the Edgewater Resort and Waterpark in Duluth, and a second outbreak at a … [Read more...]
