Cryptosporidiosis in Georgia (United States)

Investigation of a large, community-wide outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in Georgia in 1987 that resulted from contamination of a public water supply that met all standards in effect at the time.  

Learning Objectives:

After completing this case study, the student should be able to:

1. Discuss epidemiologic clues indicative of a waterborne disease outbreak as opposed to a foodborne disease outbreak;
2. Describe a boil-water advisory and discuss problems that might be encountered in issuing such an advisory;
3. Help plan a community survey to determine the prevalence and distribution of a health problem;
4. Interpret a dose-response analysis for an exposure and development of a disease;
5. List activities that should be included in the evaluation of a public water system associated with an outbreak;
6. Define turbidity and total coliform count and discuss how each are used to indicate drinking water quality;
7. Discuss the typical steps used in the treatment of surface water at a community water treatment plant; and
8. Describe the clinical features, epidemiology, and control of cryptosporidiosis.