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An outbreak of cryptosporidiosis associated with a swimming pool

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

R. E. Joce*
Affiliation:
Public Health Laboratory Service Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre. London
J. Bruce
Affiliation:
Public Health Laboratory Service Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre. London
D. Kiely
Affiliation:
Public Health Laboratory Service Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre. London
N. D. Noah
Affiliation:
Public Health Laboratory Service Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre. London
W. B. Dempster
Affiliation:
Doncaster Health Authority
R. Stalker
Affiliation:
Doncaster Health Authority
P. Gumsley
Affiliation:
Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council
P. A. Chapman
Affiliation:
Sheffield Public Health Laboratory
P. Norman
Affiliation:
Sheffield Public Health Laboratory
J. Watkins
Affiliation:
Yorkshire Water
H. V. Smith
Affiliation:
Scottish Parasite Diagnostic Laboratory, Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow
T. J. Price
Affiliation:
Broxbourne Borough Council
D. Watts
Affiliation:
Watts and Associates, Cheam
*
*Dr R. Joce, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control, North and East Hertfordshire Departments of Public Health Medicine, Hampden House, Bedford Road, Hitchin, Herts SG5 2LH
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Summary

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In August 1988 an increase was noted in the number of cases of cryptosporidiosis identified by the microbiology laboratory at Doncaster Royal Infirmary. By 31 October, 67 cases had been reported. Preliminary investigations implicated the use of one of two swimming pools at a local sports centre and oocysts were identified in the pool water. Inspection of the pool revealed significant plumbing defects which had allowed ingress of sewage from the main sewer into the circulating pool water. Epidemiological investigation confirmed an association between head immersion and illness. The pools were closed when oocysts were identified in the water and extensive cleaning and repair work was undertaken. The pool water was retested for cryptosporidial oocysts and found to be negative before the pool re-opened.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

References

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