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Outbreaks of Illness Associated with Recreational Water-United States, 2011-2012
Citation:
Hlavsa, M., V. Roberts, A. Kahler, E Hilborn, T. Mecher, M. Beach, Tim Wade, AND J. Yoder. Outbreaks of Illness Associated with Recreational Water-United States, 2011-2012. MORTALITY & MORBIDITY WEEKLY REPORT. Center for Disease Control, 64(24):668-72, (2015).
Impact/Purpose:
During 2011- 2012, the largest number of outbreaks (n=36) and the largest number of ill persons (n=874) were attributed to Cryptosporidium infection. Cryptosporidium is relatively chlorine resistant and therefore predominates as the most important pathogen associated with WBDO in treated water venues.
Description:
Outbreaks of illness associated with recreational water use result from exposure to chemicals or infectious pathogens in recreational water venues that are treated (e.g., pools and hot tubs or spas) or untreated (e.g., lakes and oceans). For 2011-2012, the most recent years for which finalized data were available, public health officials from 32 states and Puerto Rioo reported 90 recreational water-associated outbreaks to CDC's Waterborne Disease and Outbreak Surveillance System (WBDOSS) via the National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS). The 90 outbreaks resulted in at least 1,788 cases, 95 hospalizations, and one death. Among 69 (77%) outbreaks associated with treated recreational water, 36 (52%) were caused by Cryptosporidium. Among 21 (23%) outbreaks associated with untreated recreational water, seven (33%) were caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli 0157:H7 or E. coi 0111). Guidance, such as the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), for preventing and controlling recreationalwater-associated outbreaks can be optimized when informed by national outbreak and laboratory (e.g., molecular typing of Cryptosporidium) data.
