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Infections with the Cryptosporidium parasite continue to rise in Europe, according to a report released this month by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Outbreaks associated with food and drink, such as juice, have been reported. Parasites are microscopic and do not give food an unusual smell, look or taste.
For 2018, 20 countries reported 14,299 cases of cryptosporidiosis, of which 14,252 were confirmed. The number of confirmed patients was over 11,435 in 2017. The notification rate for 2018 was higher than the previous four years from 2014 to 2017.
Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK accounted for 76% of all confirmed cases in 2018, with the UK alone accounting for 41% with 5,820 infections.
Reporting was voluntary in Belgium, Greece and the Netherlands or organized differently as in the United Kingdom. No surveillance system exists in Austria, Denmark, France or Italy.
Rates tended to be lower in Eastern Europe than in Western and Northern Europe. Higher rates compared to 2017 were recorded by Belgium, Finland, Iceland and the Netherlands. Greece first reported cases and rates of cryptosporidiosis to ECDC in 2018.
The highest notification rates were recorded in the Netherlands, Ireland and Belgium, likely indicating higher laboratory testing and reporting capacity, the ECDC said. However, 16 countries continue to record virtually no cases, which is an indication of underreporting, according to the agency’s report.
Mostly sick young people
There was an increase in April and a peak in September. Much of these cases have been attributed to cases in the UK, where this seasonal pattern is predominant.
The highest notification rate was in the 0-4 year age group. The highest rate in this age group was reported by Ireland, followed by Belgium and the United Kingdom. Reports were higher among boys aged 0 to 4 as well as among women aged 15 to 24 and 25 to 44.
There has been a travel-related Cryptosporidium outbreak reported by Ireland associated with a campsite or resort in southern Europe, involving six people.
In Europe, the infection is mainly contracted through recreational waters such as swimming pools, public wading pools, water parks or open waters, mass sporting events involving water or mud, and contact with animals. .
ECDC said a better understanding of the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in Europe, in terms of distribution and trends of species and subtypes, is needed.
“This requires increased laboratory testing for parasites, isolation of pathogens, speciation and subtyping, as well as more comprehensive reporting. The public should also be educated on how to minimize the risk of contracting cryptosporidiosis, including practicing good hand hygiene and proper handling of raw or minimally processed fruits and vegetables, such as washing, peeling and cooking. , if necessary, ”according to the report. .
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