2011 Outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis Among Firefighters Responding to a Barn Fire, Michigan

In June, firefighters who responded to a barn fire located near the Indiana/Michigan border subsequently developed diarrhea, gas, bloating, and abdominal cramps. Local hydrant water and onsite swimming pond water were used to extinguish the fire. Firefighters from Indiana and Michigan responded. Three of the twenty known illnesses were confirmed to be caused by Cryptosporidium parvum. Cryptosporidium was found in calf fecal samples, and the farm's swimming pond. Cases were statistically more likely to have had direct contact with calves. Cases from the responding fire station in Indiana had exposure to pond water through drinking or washing themselves, or drunk from a cooler filled with water from an undetermined source.

Overview

Outbreak began:June 2011
Affected country:US
States/territories:IN, MI
Pathogen:Cryptosporidium parvum
Vehicle(s):Animal Contact, Water
Location(s):Farm
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:20
Number hospitalized:1

Sources & documents

Report / reference links