5 Cryptosporidiosis
5.1 Epidemiologic Review
5.1.1 Disease Information
Overview: Cryptosporidiosis is a disease caused by a microscopic parasite called Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium, or crypto, can be found in water, food, soil, or surfaces contaminated with infected feces.
Symptoms: Symptoms typically include watery diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and weight loss.
Transmission: Transmission can occur by swallowing recreational water (e.g., swimming pools) that is contaminated with Cryptosporidiosis. Cryptosporidiosis can also be spread from person-to-person, by coming into contact with infected animals, or by eating contaminated foods.
Treatment: Most healthy patients can clear an infection without treatment. An anti-parasitic can be used on patients who require treatment.
Prevention: Prevention methods include proper hand washing, not ingesting untreated water, and drinking only pasteurized milk.
5.1.2 Demographics
| Race | Rate per 100k |
|---|---|
| American Indian or Alaska Native, Non Hispanic | <5 cases |
| Asian, Non Hispanic | <5 cases |
| Black or African American, Non Hispanic | 37.4 |
| Hispanic or Latino | 23.5 |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, Non Hispanic | 43.1 |
| Other Race, Non Hispanic | <5 cases |
| Two or More Races, Non Hispanic | <5 cases |
| Unknown Race and Ethnicity | <5 cases |
| White, Non Hispanic | 24.2 |
Black or African American and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander people experienced a higher rate of Cryptosporidiosis than other populations.
Rates for American Indian or Alaska Native, Non Hispanic, Asian, Non Hispanic, Other Race, Non Hispanic, Two or More Races, Non Hispanic, and Unknown Race and Ethnicity are not displayed due to low case counts.
5.1.3 Outbreaks
- The first outbreak was in a daycare where 12 children and 2 teachers were having gastrointestinal illnesses. Two of the children were confirmed by laboratory samples to have cryptosporidiosis. One child was hospitalized; their symptoms resolved after treatment. A site visit by public health provided education and guidance on prevention methods. During the visit it was discovered that the daycare had an end of the summer water party where water games and water tables were being utilized at the daycare. The party occurred 5 days before symptoms began and could have contributed to multiple illnesses.
- The second outbreak was in an elementary school special education classroom. There were 4 children and 1 teacher who became ill. One of the children was confirmed by laboratory a sample to be positive for cryptosporidiosis. Measures were taken to disinfect the classroom and exclude those who were symptomatic.
- Details of the larger outbreak at the recreation center is recorded in the Notable Outbreaks 2023 section.
5.1.4 Monthly and Historical Comparisons
Outdoor water exposures can be an important source of Cryptosporidiosis exposures, and the higher rates in summer months may reflect that.
2023 had a far higher rate of Cryptosporidiosis than the previous 5 years, driven by outbreaks.
Data for Utah and the CDC were retrieved from the CDC’s Notifiable Infectious Disease Data Tables.