Outbreak of Cryptosporidium hominis following river flooding in the city of Halle (Saale), Germany, August 2013.

ABSTRACT:

Background

During weeks 32-33, 2013, 24 cases of cryptosporidiosis were notified in the city of Halle (annual mean 2008-2012: 9 cases). We investigated the outbreak to identify the source and recommend control measures, considering that between weeks 23-25 the river Saale which flows through the city centre overflowed the floodplain, parts of the city centre and damaged sewage systems.

Methods

We defined a case as a resident of Halle with gastroenteritis, Cryptosporidium-positive stool and disease onset weeks 27 through 47. In a case-control study among kindergarten children, we compared cases and controls regarding environmental exposure, use of swimming pools, zoo visits and tap water consumption 14 days pre-onset or a corresponding 14-days-period (controls) and adjusted f

SUBMITTER: Gertler M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4344771 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature