The Incidence of Cryptosporidiosis in Comparison with other Gastro‐Intestinal Illnesses in Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe paper describes a study which was carried out to examine the incidence of cryptosporidiosis and other gastro‐intestinal illnesses in Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde. Information on the incidence of cryptosporidiosis, between 1987 and 1992, was collected retrospectively. Between July 1992 and June 1993, prospective information on a range of gastro‐intestinal illnesses was obtained from individual cases using a specially designed questionnaire.In the six‐year period of the retrospective study, 497 cases of cryptosporidiosis were reported. When spatial patterns of cryptosporidiosis reporting were examined, no relationship could be found with either the water supply zone or census ward. The prospective study produced similar results to the retrospective investigation. Recreational water use and farm animal contact were identified as ‘risk factors’ for cryptosporidiosis when compared with other gastrointestinal illness aetiological agents.