2015 Outbreak of Giardiasis and Cryptosporidiosis Associated with Asymptomatic Food Handlers, New York

During June to September 2015 an outbreak of 20 giardiasis cases occurred and were epidemiologically linked to a local grocery store chain on Long Island, New York. A public health investigation revealed that three asymptomatic food handlers were infected with Giardia duodenalis. One food handler and one case were coinfected with Cryptosporidium spp. Although G. duodenalis was not detected in food samples, Cryptosporidium was identified in samples of spinach dip and potato salad. The G. duodenalis assemblage and subtype from one of the food handlers matched two outbreak cases for which genotyping was performed.

Overview

Outbreak began:June 2015
Affected country:US
States/territories:NY
Pathogen:Giardia, Cryptosporidium
Vehicle(s):Ill foodhandler
Location(s):Retail
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:20
Number hospitalized:1

Sources & documents

Outbreak documents