2012 Outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis Associated with a Swim Pond, Lake Elmo, Minnesota
Five cases of Cryptosporidiosis were identified among swimmers of a swim pond at Lake Elmo, Minnesota in July 2012. Reported swim dates ranged from July 1 to July 11. Reported onset dates ranged from July 3 to July 17. One case was hospitalized. None of the 11 swim pond staff reported illness. The swim pond, an artificial body of water contained within a lined, sand-bottom basin, included a water circulation system for maintaining water quality. Swim ponds are exempt from regulatory requirements that public pools must follow. Upon inspection the Lake Elmo swim pond was found to be operating at low chlorine levels. Review of chemical records from June and July found numerous instances in which the chlorine level was recorded at zero, with varying chlorine levels across the zones of the swim pond. No corrective action was indicated. Public health officials concluded this was an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis associated with swimming at the Lake Elmo swim pond. Although the original source of contamination was not identified, an infectious swim pond user most likely introduced the parasite into the swim pond.
- Outbreak began:
- July 2012
- Affected Country:
- US
- Affected States/Territories:
- Minnesota
- Organism(s):
-
- Cryptosporidium
- Vehicle(s):
- Recreational water
- Molecular Results Available:
- Yes
- Test Results:
- BGP3 (Minnesota designation)
- Location(s):
- swim pond
- Brand Name(s):
- Lake Elmo, Minnesota
- Total ill:
- 5
- Number ill by Case Definition Known:
- Yes
- Number Laboratory Confirmed Cases:
- 2
- Number Probable Cases:
- 3
- Number Possible Cases:
- 0
- Anyone Hospitalized:
- Yes
- Number Hospitalized:
- 1
- Any Deaths:
- No
- Number Dead:
- 0
- Any References:
- No
-
- References:
- MN DOH Annual Summary, 2012