# 6375
A little more than a week ago, in Tales From The Crypto, I wrote about an HPA (Health Protection Agency) investigation into an unusually large number of gastrointestinal illnesses being reported across England due to the Cryptosporidium parasite, or as it is commonly called, “Crypto”.
Over the past 7 days another 60 people have been diagnosed with this (generally) waterborne illness from the four regions of the North East, Yorkshire, West Midlands and East Midlands, bringing the total since early May to 327 (compared to 82 during the same period in 2011).
While still elevated above normal, the number of new cases over the past week is less than was seen during the previous two weeks, and not all of these may be attributed to this outbreak.
It is too soon to know if this outbreak has peaked.
The source of infection has yet to be identified. Local water authorities reassure that there is no evidence of contamination of the public water supply.
While generally thought of a waterborne illness, Crypto may be found in soil, food, water, or on surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals.
Photo Credit CDC PHIL
Here is the latest Health Protection Agency update on the Crypto outbreak, followed by some prevention advice from the CDC.
Update 8 June: Increase in cases of cryptosporidiosis
8 June 2012
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) continues to lead a multi-agency investigation to determine whether recent cases of cryptosporidiosis are linked to a common source.
The English regions most affected by the increase in cases continue to be the North East, Yorkshire, West Midlands and East Midlands. An additional 60 cases of cryptosporidiosis have been confirmed across the four regions between 01 June and 07 June 2012, taking the total number of cases confirmed in these regions since 11 May 2012 to 327. This compares to 82 cases of the infection confirmed across the four regions within the same period the previous year (11 May 2011 to 07 June 2011).
Most people affected had a mild to moderate form of illness and the HPA is not aware that any cases reported in the past week (since 1 June) have been hospitalised.
So far investigations have not identified a likely source of infection. The Drinking Water Inspectorate has confirmed that there is currently no evidence that public water supplies are implicated.
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by an organism called Cryptosporidium, which is found in soil, food, water or surfaces that have been contaminated with infected human or animal droppings. People can become infected by consuming contaminated water or food, by swimming in contaminated water, for example in lakes or rivers, or through contact with infected animals. The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can range from mild to severe.
Dr Stephen Morton, who is leading the investigation for the HPA, said: “The latest figures show that the sudden upturn in cases seen in May 2012 has not continued into the first week of June. The majority of cases became ill between 11 and 18 May. Whilst the increase is higher than we might expect at this time of year, it is not unusual to see an increase in cryptosporidiosis cases in the early summer and not all of the cases reported since 11 May are likely to be linked.
Crypto infections occur around the globe, and according to an EID Journal study published last year, there are estimated to be nearly 750,000 Crypto infections in the United States each year (see Foodborne Illness Acquired in the United States—Major Pathogens).
For most healthy individuals, a Crypto infection is an unpleasant, but not life threatening illness. The most common symptoms (which generally last 1 to 2 weeks) are:
- Watery Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Dehydration
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Weight loss
Although rarely fatal in healthy individuals, `Crypto’ can be deadly for the very young, the very old, and those with compromised immune systems.
All of which makes prevention key. The CDC gives the following advice to reduce exposure to Crypto.
Practice Good Hygiene
Everywhere
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, rubbing hands together vigorously and scrubbing all surfaces:
- Before preparing or eating food
- After using the toilet
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
- Before and after tending to someone who is ill with diarrhea
- After handling an animal or animal waste
At child care facilities
- To reduce the risk of disease transmission, children with diarrhea should be excluded from child care settings until the diarrhea has stopped.
At recreational water venues (pools, interactive fountains, lakes, ocean)
- Protect others by not swimming if you are experiencing diarrhea (this is essential for children in diapers). If diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis, do not swim for at least 2 weeks after diarrhea stops.
- Shower before entering the water.
- Wash children thoroughly (especially their bottoms) with soap and water after they use the toilet or their diapers are changed and before they enter the water.
- Take children on frequent bathroom breaks and check their diapers often.
- Change diapers in the bathroom, not at the poolside.
Around animals
- Minimize contact with the feces of all animals, particularly young animals.
- When cleaning up animal feces, wear disposable gloves, and always wash hands when finished.
- Wash hands after any contact with animals or their living areas.
Outside
- Wash hands after gardening, even if wearing gloves.
