Crypto Creeps Back Into The Spotlight
It’s about that time of year when cryptosporidium sneaks back onto the national scene, with TV and newspaper coverage about threats and outbreaks.
The CDC issued this new warning at the end of June:
- Between 2009 and 2017, there were 444 cryptosporidiosis outbreaks reported in 40 states and Puerto Rico.
- The outbreaks resulted in 7,465 people falling ill.
- Recreational water — mostly swimming pools, but also kiddie pools and water playgrounds — were responsible for 156, more than a third of the cases.
- Untreated water (such as lakes) and drinking water caused 22 more cases.
- Eighty-six cases involved contact with animals, mostly cattle.
- Another 57 cases were associated with child care settings.
- Twenty-two cases were foodborne, most involving unpasteurized milk or apple cider.
- Most cases were reported in the months of July and August, and 2016 was a peak year for outbreaks with more than 80.
- The number of cases increased by an average of 12.8% annually between 2009 and 2017.
The CDC adds two caveats to the figures, which it suspects underestimate the number of actual cases and outbreaks: The spike in cases may be the result of new testing technology, and the requirements and ability to detect, investigate and report cases vary across jurisdictions.
How are you preparing for this nasty visitor? If you have questions about how to defeat this disgusting parasite, give us a call at 800.429.9460 for the latest tools and techniques to keep your pool crystal clear and crypto free.
From CNN:
https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/30/health/crypto-outbreaks-pools-cdc-warning/index.html