Cryptosporidiosis, 2005

During 2005, 166 confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis (3.2 per 100,000 population) were reported. This is similar to the median number of cases reported annually from 1996 to 2004 (median, 173 cases; range, 81 to 242). The median age of case-patients in 2005 was 19 years (range, 4 months to 87 years). Children 10 years of age or younger accounted for 35% of cases. Fifty-two percent of cases occurred during July through October. The incidence of cryptosporidiosis in the Southwestern, West Central, and Southeastern districts (13.4, 7.4, and 7.1 cases per 100,000 population, respectively) was significantly higher than the statewide incidence. Only 26 (16%) reported cases occurred among residents of the Twin Cities metropolitan area (1.0 per 100,000 population). Thirty-two (19%) case-patients required hospitalization, for a median of 3 days (range, 1 to 11 days). One case-patient was known to be HIV-infected. Two outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis were identified during 2005; both occurred in child daycare settings (three confirmed cases for one outbreak and three confirmed cases plus one probable case for the second) with person-to-person transmission responsible for the cases.

• For up to date information see>> Cryptosporidiosis (Cryptosporidium spp.)
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2005