2012 Outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis Associated with an Aquatic Center, Minnesota
In July 2012 Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) staff investigated an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis among patrons at an aquatic center located in Lyon County. Illness histories and exposure information were obtained from 112 aquatic center patrons. Seven cases were identified, including 3 cases who tested positive for Cryptosporidium. Two cases were hospitalized. One case's stool sample was received at the MDH Public Health Laboratory; however, molecular identification to species was not successful. No specific day, pool, or swimming activity was associated with illness. Twenty eight aquatic center staff were interviewed about recent illness and job duties. Three reported recent illness with reported onset dates ranging from June 18 to July 13. Staff reported working while ill. On July 18 the aquatic center voluntarily closed to superchlorinate all pool water. Although the original source of contamination was not identified, an infectious aquatic center user most likely introduced the parasite into the aquatic center. Individuals continuing to swim while ill, including aquatics staff, most likely led to protracted amount of time during which aquatic center users were at risk for becoming infected.
- Outbreak began:
- July 2012
- Affected Country:
- US
- Affected States/Territories:
- Minnesota
- Organism(s):
-
- Cryptosporidium
- Vehicle(s):
- Recreational water
- Molecular Results Available:
- No
- Test Results:
- None
- Location(s):
- Aquatic center
- Brand Name(s):
- Total ill:
- 7
- Number ill by Case Definition Known:
- Yes
- Number Laboratory Confirmed Cases:
- 3
- Number Probable Cases:
- 4
- Number Possible Cases:
- 0
- Anyone Hospitalized:
- Yes
- Number Hospitalized:
- 2
- Any Deaths:
- No
- Number Dead:
- 0
- Any References:
- No
-
- References:
- MN DOH Annual Summary, 2012