Outbreak of Cryptosporidium linked to drinking unpasteurised milk

Abstract

In August and September 2001, the Sunshine Coast Public Health Unit received notifications that 8 children from the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, had laboratory-confirmed Cryptosporidium in faecal samples. Four children were hospitalised and all recovered. Dates of onset were consistent with a protracted common source dispersed in the community. An epidemiological and environmental investigation sought details of symptom history and exposure to potential sources of Cryptosporidium, including animal contact, commercial and non-commercially available unpasteurised milk, non-potable water and other persons with gastroenteritis. For the case control study, a case was defined as a child with laboratory-confirmed Cryptosporidium, with symptom onset in August 2001 and living on the Sunshine Coast. Considering the potential confounders of age and geographic location, substantial effort was made to obtain age-matched controls from the treating general practitioner. Controls had attended the general practitioner for conditions other than gastroenteritis. Controls for 3 cases were unable to be obtained, and thus only unmatched analysis was undertaken.