2009 Outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis at a Summer Camp, North Carolina

An outbreak of cryptosporidiosis occurred among people who attended a youth summer camp in North Carolina. Epidemiologic analyses of data from a retrospective cohort study of staff members revealed that eating ham from a sandwich bar that included camp-grown, raw produce and sharing a cabin with an ill person were significantly associated with illness. Cryptosporidium isolates from stool specimens of livestock (cows, pigs) and humans at the camp were of the identical Cryptosporidium parvum subtype, IIaA17G2R1. An environmental investigation revealed that there was no hand-washing sink in the barn so adequate hand sanitation could not be accomplished. Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in multiple composite soil samples from the gardens; however, components of the soil inhibited DNA amplification and precluded typing of Cryptosporidium isolates. Cryptosporidium was not detected in any of the water samples.

Overview

Outbreak began:June 2009
Affected country:US
States/territories:NC
Pathogen:Cryptosporidium parvum
Vehicle(s):Animal Contact, Pork
Location(s):Camp
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:46

Sources & documents

Report / reference links