Cryptosporidiosis from a community swimming pool: outbreak investigation and follow-up study.
Tri-County Health Department investigated an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis linked to a community swimming pool. A cohort study was conducted in 37 persons who were invited to the pool party; 12 (57%) of 21 attendees had primary cryptosporidiosis infection. Risk factors for illness included swimming, getting water in mouth, and swallowing water. The pool met chlorination guidelines and used UV light irradiation, a supplemental disinfection technology that inactivates Cryptosporidium. A follow-up survey of the cohort was completed 7-8 weeks after the pool party; four (25%) of 16 non-attendees had secondary cryptosporidiosis infection. The median duration of illness, including patients with recurring symptoms, was 26 days. Clinical response rate to nitazoxanide, a therapeutic agent, was 67%. This study is unique because it describes a cryptosporidiosis outbreak from a well-maintained community swimming pool using supplemental disinfection. It also reports information on disease burden and treatment response.
Boehmer
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Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. tboehmer@cdc.gov
Alden
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Ghosh
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Vogt
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003120:Colorado / Q000453:epidemiology; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D013551:Swimming Pools; D055815:Young Adult