Cryptosporidium Outbreak Quiz

A large-scale foodborne illness outbreak in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1993 caused by contaminated water.

A microscopic parasite causing waterborne illness (Cryptosporidiosis).

Symptoms of the illness include diarrhea, which typically don't require medical intervention in 88% of infected people. In severe cases, hospitalization might occur.

Water treatment facilities in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that were implicated in the 1993 outbreak.

Cryptosporidium infection more frequently affects individuals with compromised immune systems, like those with AIDS.

Cryptosporidium protozoan spreads through fecal-oral contact, contaminated water, food, or close contact with infected animals/people.

The time between infection and the onset of symptoms, typically 2-14 days (average 7 days).

The small number of oocysts required to cause infection (as few as 30, average 130).

Round, thick-walled structures (4-6 µm) that contain the protozoan and are passed in feces.

The process where the oocysts release the sporozoites—the infectious stage of the parasite—inside the small intestine.

People with weakened immune systems, more susceptible to severe cryptosporidiosis.

Cryptosporidium is found worldwide in the environment, such as in drinking water.

Ingestion triggers release of sporozoites, which invade intestinal cells, reproduce asexually and then sexually, thus forming oocysts that are eventually passed into the environment.

A species of Cryptosporidium primarily associated with human infections.

A species of Cryptosporidium associated with both human and bovine (cattle) infections.

Cryptosporidium spreads through contaminated water, food, or close contact with infected individuals or animals. The primary method is fecal-oral transmission.

Individuals with AIDS (weakened immune systems) are more susceptible to severe Cryptosporidium infections, including rare species like C. felis and C. meleagridis.

This protozoan can be found in various animals including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, including humans.

The parasite spreads through the fecal-oral route, contaminating water, food, and close contact with infected individuals or animals.

Raw vegetables, basil, cilantro, fresh-pressed apple cider, chicken salad, and shellfish are potential sources of the parasite.

The time between infection and symptom onset is typically 2-14 days with an average of 7 days. Children and the elderly may experience shorter IP of about 5 days.

While it can affect individuals of all ages, immunocompromised individuals are more susceptible to severe infection, treatment difficulties, and complications.

After ingestion, the parasite's oocyst releases sporozoites that invade intestinal cells, multiply asexually, then sexually, forming new oocysts that are passed out in feces.

These round, thick-walled structures (4-6 µm in diameter) are passed through feces into the environment and can immediately cause infection.

A small number of oocysts can cause infection. As few as 30 oocysts have been known to cause infection, with an average infectious dose of around 130 oocysts.

This parasite infects various animals, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, like humans.

Transmission occurs through the fecal-oral route, via contaminated water, food, or close contact with infected individuals.

Raw vegetables, basil, cilantro, fresh-pressed apple cider, chicken salad, and shellfish are potential sources of Crypto.

The incubation period (IP) is 2 to 14 days, with an average of 7. Children and elderly experience a shorter IP of 5 days.

Immunocompromised individuals are more vulnerable to severe infections and complications.

After ingestion, the parasite's oocyst releases sporozoites that invade intestinal cells, multiply asexually, then sexually, forming new oocysts.

The round, thick-walled oocyst (4-6 µm) is passed in feces and is immediately infectious.

As few as 30 oocysts can cause infection, the average infectious dose is about 130.

Environmental contamination is common, with oocysts being found in drinking water globally.

A major outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1993, affecting over 400,000 people.

Cryptosporidium was first identified in 1907, but human cases were not reported until 1976.

Cryptosporidium parvum type 1 is now called Cryptosporidium hominis and associated with human infections, while type 2 is now called Cryptosporidium parvum and associated with both human and bovine infections.

The South plant in Milwaukee experienced increased turbidity levels, indicating potential contamination shortly before the outbreak.

The Milwaukee outbreak resulted in a substantial economic loss, mainly due to lost productivity.

Cryptosporidium oocysts are resistant to many disinfectants and can survive for long periods in the environment.

Cryptosporidium infections can be more severe in immunocompromised individuals, leading to prolonged illness and complications.

A measure of the cloudiness or haziness of water, indicating the presence of suspended particles like Cryptosporidium oocysts.

Spread of Cryptosporidium infection - usually through the fecal-oral route, via contaminated water, food, or close contact.

Individuals with AIDS (weakened immune systems) are more susceptible to severe Cryptosporidium infections, including rare species like C. felis and C. meleagridis.

The time between infection and the onset of symptoms, typically 2-14 days, with an average of 7 days.