Promotion of Healthy Swimming After a Statewide Outbreak of
Cryptosporidiosis Associated with Recreational Water Venues —
Utah, 2008–2009 During the summer of 2007, Utah experienced a
statewide outbreak of gastrointestinal illness caused by
Cryptosporidium, a parasite transmitted via the fecal-oral
route. Approximately 5,700 outbreak-related cases were
identified across the state (1). Of 1,506 interviewed patients
with laboratory-confirmed cryptosporidiosis, 1,209 (80%)
reported swimming in at least one of approximately 450
recreational water venues during their potential 14-day
incubation period (2). Cryptosporidium is extremely chlorine-
tolerant, and secondary or supplemental disinfection with
ultraviolet light or ozone can control but not prevent
outbreaks. Because swimmers are the primary source of
Cryptosporidium contamination, healthy swimming campaigns are
needed to increase awareness and practice of healthy swimming
behaviors, especially not swimming while ill with diarrhea
(i.e., swimming while ill w