Outbreak of cryptosporidiosis linked with a farm event.

AIM: To investigate an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis linked to a two-day farm educational event in the Wellington region. Methods. The outbreak was investigated by carrying out a site visit and interviewing cases (or their parents) identified through notifications to Wellington Regional Public Health.

RESULTS

Twenty confirmed cases were linked to the event. Nineteen were aged under seven years. The most likely route of infection was the hand-to-mouth transfer of the parasite after touching an infected animal.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge this is the first outbreak of cryptosporidiosis associated with a farm event reported in New Zealand. Farm animals, particularly calves, are likely to carry cryptosporidiosis and other microorganisms that are pathogenic in humans. This outbreak highlights the need for organisers of similar events to implement preventive measures such as hand washing facilities and reminders. Adults supervising young children should also be vigilant in enforcing hand washing following animal contact.