11 Jul 2024 | 09:07 AM UTC
Australia: Elevated cryptosporidiosis activity reported nationwide in early July
Elevated cryptosporidiosis activity reported nationwide in Australia in early July. Use strict food and water precautions.
Public health officials have reported elevated cryptosporidiosis activity in multiple areas in Australia, with 11,860 cases reported Jan. 1-July 11. This is compared to the 3,716 cases reported in 2023. The most affected state is Queensland (5,819 cases), followed by New South Wales (2,889 cases), Victoria (1,768 cases), South Australia (534 cases), Western Australia (534 cases), Australian Capital Territory (221 cases), Tasmania (56 cases) and Northern Territory (39 cases). Health authorities urge individuals to practice good hygiene and avoid untreated water and unpasteurized dairy, especially those at a greater risk of severe disease. As disease surveillance continues, additional cases will likely be identified in the coming weeks. This represents the most updated information available as of July 11.
Practice strict food and water and basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water. People with compromised immune systems due to underlying conditions or illness should seek prompt medical advice if symptoms occur.
Since 2001, when cryptosporidiosis became a notifiable disease, Australia has faced several outbreaks. The current outbreak is the largest on record. The case count for the past four years was 2,437 in 2020, 1,844 in 2021, 2,047 in 2022, and 3,716 in 2023, with Queensland consistently reporting the highest number of cases.
Cryptosporidiosis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by a parasite called Cryptosporidium. Transmission occurs via the fecal-oral route through touching contaminated surfaces or consuming contaminated water or food. Infected individuals can continue to spread Cryptosporidium through their feces for up to two weeks after symptoms resolve. Symptoms typically appear 2-10 days post-infection and include frequent and watery diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, and dehydration. Symptoms usually completely go away within 2–3 weeks; however, cryptosporidiosis can cause life-threatening complications for those with weakened immune systems. Most people who have healthy immune systems will recover from cryptosporidiosis without treatment.
