Cryptosporidiosis, 2006

During 2006, 242 confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis (4.7 per 100,000) were reported. This equals the highest number of cases ever reported in Minnesota, and is 42% higher than the median number of cases reported annually from 1996 to 2005 (median, 170 cases; range, 81 to 242). The median age of case-patients in 2006 was 24 years (range, 1 month to 97 years). Children 10 years of age or younger accounted for 29% of cases. Fifty-one percent of cases occurred during July through October. The incidence of cryptosporidiosis in the Southwestern, West Central, South Central, Southeastern, and Northeastern districts (14.6, 11.4, 9.4, 8.3, and 7.1 cases per 100,000, respectively) was significantly higher than the statewide incidence. Only 59 (24%) reported cases occurred among residents of the metropolitan area (2.1 per 100,000). Forty-three (18%) case-patients required hospitalization, for a median of 4 days (range, 1 to 56 days). Six cases were known to be HIV-infected. One outbreak of cryptosporidiosis was identified in 2006, accounting for 17 laboratory-confirmed cases. This outbreak was associated with multiple school swimming pools.

• For up to date information see>> Cryptosporidiosis (Cryptosporidium spp.)
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2006