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In August 2005, a cryptosporidiosis outbreak was associated with a recreational waterspray park in Seneca Falls, New York. As of 30 Sept 2005, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)reported that there were approximately 4,000 cases of reported illnesses that werepossibly linked to the spray ground from 37 counties in New York State. Of those, 743confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis were reported to the NYSDOH. The commonsymptoms reported were diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever,headache and loss of appetite. Samples were collected from the drinking fountain nearthe spray ground, the beach area, spray groundwater holding tanks, and the sprayground filter backwash. All were negative for Giardia. Cryptosporidium oocysts werefound in the spray ground tank (30 to 50/L; E. coli = 222/100mL), filter backwash (30/L)and septic tank effluent (8 x 10sup4/sup/L). Goose droppings from the nearby beach area werenegative for Cryptosporidium. Oocysts from the spray tank, septic effluent and theclinical samples were identified as Cryptosporidium hominis, indicating a human source.At the time of the outbreak, there were no federal or state regulatory requirementsspecifically governing this type of recreational facility. The spray ground was designedin accordance with 10NYCRR Subpart 6-1 for spas and pools. The NYSDOH hasdeveloped stringent regulations for the 2006 season requiring spray parks to upgradedesign and treatment, requiring the installation of ultraviolet (UV) light for Cryptosporidiumdisinfection, with UV treatment of 100% of the water returned to the spray fixtures tominimize another outbreak of this nature. NYSDOH plans to follow these regulations withincreasingly stringent rules for pools and spas. Includes 13 references, tables, figure.

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Edition: Vol. - No. Published: 11/01/2006 Number of Pages: 7 File Size: 1 file , 350 KB