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Cause:
Various species of the
protozoan Cryptosporidium, which form resistant
oocysts.
Illness and treatment:
Symptoms may be
prolonged, and include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain,
nausea, vomiting, weight loss and fever. An anti-protozoal
drug is available to treat persistent symptoms.
Sources:
Cryptosporidia are common in
animals. In this country oocysts are found in most surface
waters tested. Transmission is by ingesting fecally
contaminated water, milk or food, or by direct contact with
infected animals or humans. Those with asymptomatic
infections may infect others. Outbreaks have occurred in
water parks, swimming pools and child care facilities.
Additional risks:
For persons with
weakened immune systems, especially those with advanced HIV
infection, the disease can be severe and persistent.
Cryptosporidia resist standard chemical disinfectants and
may occur in municipal water systems, home filtered water,
or bottled water.
Prevention:
Wash hands thoroughly after
contact with animals, particularly calves or animals with
diarrhea. Avoid swallowing water during water recreation. Do
not drink untreated surface water. Boil untreated drinking
water for one minute or use other appropriate water
treatment.
Recent Washington trends:
After an increase in case reporting during 2005, following changed
treatment and diagnostic practices, case rates have stabilized to
between 95 and 139 cases per year in Washington.
2010:
102 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported (1.5 cases/100,000 population).
Purpose of Reporting and Surveillance
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To identify outbreaks and potential sources of ongoing transmission.
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To prevent further transmission from such sources.
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To educate people about how to reduce their risk of transmission.
Legal Reporting Requirements
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Health care providers:
notifiable to local health jurisdiction within 3 business days
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Health care facilities:
notifiable to local health jurisdiction within 3 business days
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Laboratories:
Cryptosporidium
notifiable to local health jurisdiction within 2 business days.
Specimen submission is on request only.
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Local health jurisdiction:
notifiable to the Washington State Department of Health
Communicable Disease Epidemiology (CDE) within 7 days of case
investigation completion or summary information required within 21 days.
Last update
December 2011 |
