2021 Outbreaks of Acute Gastrointestinal Illness at a Splash Pad, Kansas

Two outbreaks were associated with a Kansas wildlife park: one caused by Shigella and involving 21 cases in study respondents who visited on June 11 and the other caused by norovirus and involving six cases in respondents who visited on June 18. Three cases diagnosed with shigellosis were hospitalized. One person with norovirus was hospitalized. No one died.

Getting splash pad water in the mouth was associated with illness on both days. Outbreak contributing factors included inadequate disinfection, equipment, and training.

Overview

Outbreak began:June 2021
Affected country:US
States/territories:KS
Pathogen:Shigella flexneri
Vehicle(s):Recreational Water
Location(s):waterpark
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:27
Number hospitalized:4

Sources & documents

Report / reference links
Outbreak documents