Outbreak of Cryptosporidium Infection in a swimming pool complex in Merthyr Tydfil South Wales Summer 2009

The final report of the investigation into the outbreak of Cryptosporidium associated with Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre has been published. A multi-agency Outbreak Control Team launched the investigation following reports of illness in children and adults who swam at the leisure centre in August 2009.   A total of 106 cases of Cryptosporidium associated with this outbreak were identified, 45 of which were confirmed through laboratory testing.   The Outbreak Control Team comprised of professionals from Public Health Wales and Environmental Health colleagues from Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Councils.   The report of the Outbreak Control Team concludes that Cryptosporidium was introduced into the pool from a faecal accident on the toddler slide on 22 August 2009.   The report makes a number of recommendations with the aim of reducing the risk of similar outbreaks elsewhere in the future and highlights the role swimmers play in maintaining good pool hygiene.   Dr Gwen Lowe, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for Public Health Wales, chaired the Outbreak Control Team. She said: “This outbreak demonstrates how important it is that people who are suffering from diarrhoea, or who have had it within the last 48 hours, should not go swimming. If they have been diagnosed with Cryptosporidium they should not swim for two weeks after their symptoms have settled.