Cryptosporidiosis, 2003

During 2003, 155 confirmed cases of Cryptosporidium spp. (3.2 per 100,000 population) were reported. This is lower than the 206 cases reported in 2002 and represents a 21% decrease from the median number of cases reported annually from 1996 to 2002 (median, 197 cases; range, 81 to 242). The median age of case-patients in 2003 was 14 years (range, 4 months to 79 years). Children 10 years of age or younger accounted for 37% of cases. Sixty-one percent of cases occurred during July through October. The incidence of cryptosporidiosis in the Southeastern, South Central, and Central districts (8.0, 7.9, and 7.5 cases per 100,000 population, respectively) was significantly higher than the statewide incidence. Only 13 (8%) reported cases occurred among residents of the Twin Cities metropolitan area (0.5 per 100,000 population). Twenty-three (15%) case-patients required hospitalization, for a median of 2 days (range, 1 to 29 days). Two case-patients were known to be HIV infected.

Four outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis were identified in 2003. Two outbreaks occurred due to contact with calves at a farm program that was affiliated with a high school. The first outbreak had 31 cases (nine laboratory-confirmed) and the second outbreak had 37 cases (nine laboratory-confirmed). A third outbreak related to animal contact occurred when employees at a veterinary clinic provided care for an ill calf; two laboratory-cases were identified. A foodborne outbreak of cryptosporidiosis was associated with a potluck event at a private home, resulting in nine cases (three laboratory-confirmed); the vehicle was not identified.

• For up to date information see>> Cryptosporidiosis (Cryptosporidium spp.)
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2003