Another Spraypark Cryptopsoridium Outbreak
Two sprayparks in Clay County, Missouri are the source of an ongoing Cryptosporidium outbreak, according to health officials.
Marler Clark represents hundreds of people in litigation resulting from a Cryptosporidium outbreak in central New York last summer (visit www.marlerclark.com for more informtation).
Here's an article from today's Kansas City Star on the current outbreak:
Clay County confirms seven cases of contagious illness
17.aug.06
Kansas City Star
Lindsay Hanson Metcalf
Seven cases of an intestinal parasite have been confirmed in Clay County, officials said today.
Clay County Public Health officials said they were notifying area schools and health- and child-care providers about the presence of Cryptosporidium, a parasite that causes diarrhea. An additional six cases among family members were probable, they said
The common ground among the cases was two water spray parks in Liberty, said Jodee Fredrick, a Clay County Public Health Center spokeswoman. The victims used the public spray grounds near Missouri 291 and Kent Street as well as Ruth Moore Park near the Liberty Square on or after July 20, Fredrick said. The parks were being closed for treatment and laboratory testing.
Symptoms include diarrhea and cramps, weight loss, nausea, vomiting or fever. The disease can be caught by drinking contaminated water, eating fruits and vegetables washed with contaminated water or touching surfaces contaminated with infected feces.
Officials urged metropolitan-area residents who have experienced diarrhea or cramps after visiting a recreational water facility to seek medical assistance.
Residents can prevent the disease with good hygiene, washing hands at least 30 seconds after using the restroom, changing diapers, touching animals or soil and before touching food.
