Cryptosporidiosis in USA (Arizona)

31 Aug 2016

An outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in the Phoenix area of Maricopa County (Arizona) is believed to have affected over 100 people.

Maricopa County officials have identified 20 recreational water facilities that may have been contaminated. The medical director for the Maricopa County Department of Public Health advised they have no reliable test to detect cryptosporidiosis in water making it difficult to determine source of the outbreak. However, all identified recreational water facilities have been working with the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department to follow the recommended procedures for decontamination.

Advice for Travellers

Cryptosporidiosis is a self-limiting parasitic diarrhoeal illness. As this disease occurs worldwide all travellers are potentially at risk; maintaining good food and water hygiene is the best prevention. Further information can be found on Food and Water Precautions page.