Cryptosporidiosis increase in Wellington region
Wellington, Hutt and Kapiti
Key messages
- There is currently an increase in Cryptosporidiosis in the greater Wellington region, with a number of these connected to swimming pool use.
- To prevent spread, please remind patients not to use swimming facilities (including splash pads) while symptomatic with diarrhoea and for 2 weeks after symptoms have resolved.
Information
An increase in the number of cryptosporidiosis cases has been reported in the Wellington region, with 8 cases reported in Hutt Valley. This is higher than the total of 0 to 2 cases by the same time of the year for the previous 3 years. A history of swimming pool use has been identified among some of the cases.
Please consider cryptosporidiosis among patients presenting with acute diarrhoeal illness, particularly among children with a history of swimming pool use. Cryptosporidiosis is a notifiable disease. Treatment is usually symptomatic relief only.
Please remind patients not to swim in public swimming pools or to use public park water play facilities (splash pads) for 2 weeks after being ill with diarrhoea, and to be vigilant about hand washing and preparing food when anyone in the home has diarrhoeal illness. Cryptosporidiosis can be easily passed from person to person in a household.