Epidemiologic and environmental investigation of a recreational water outbreak caused by two genotypes of Cryptosporidium parvum in Ohio in 2000.
In August 2000, the Ohio Department of Health requested assistance to investigate a cryptosporidiosis outbreak with more than 700 clinical case-patients. An epidemiologic and environmental investigation was conducted. Stool specimens, pool water, and sand filter samples were analyzed. A community-based case-control study showed that the main risk factor was swimming in pool A (odds ratio [OR] = 42, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 12.3-144.9). This was supported by results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, which showed the presence of both the human and bovine genotypes of Cryptosporidium parvum in case-patients and samples from the filter of pool A. A pool-based case-control study indicated that the highest risk was related to exposure to pool water via the mouth (OR = 5.1, 95% CI = 2.1-12.5) or to pool sprinklers (OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.3-4.7). Fecal accidents at the pool were documented. Records indicated that the pool met local health regulations. The outbreak, caused by co-infection with two C. parvum genotypes (human and bovine), underscores the need for concerted action to improve public health policies for recreational water facilities and enhanced education regarding the potential for disease transmission through pools.
Mathieu
Els
E
Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Parasitic Diseases, National Center of Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30341-3724, USA. mm7@cdc.gov
Levy
Deborah A
DA
Veverka
Fran
F
Parrish
Mary-Kay
MK
Sarisky
John
J
Shapiro
Nancy
N
Johnston
Stephanie
S
Handzel
Thomas
T
Hightower
Allen
A
Xiao
Lihua
L
Lee
Yeuk-Mui
YM
York
Steve
S
Arrowood
Michael
M
Lee
Robin
R
Jones
Jeffrey L
JL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000818:Animals; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016785:Cryptosporidium parvum / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016054:DNA, Protozoan / Q000032:analysis; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009820:Ohio / Q000453:epidemiology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011998:Recreation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons; D014871:Water Microbiology
D016054:DNA, Protozoan