Descriptive analysis of endemic cryptosporidiosis cases reported in Ontario, 1996-1997

Endemic cryptosporidiosis in Ontario was studied using notifiable disease data from the Ontario Ministry of Health for the years 1396-1997 inclusive. For this study period, 451 endemic cases were identified, corresponding to a provincial mean annual age-and sex-adjusted incidence rate of 2.13 cases per 100,000. Children under five years of age had the highest incidence of disease. Males had a higher incidence than females, except for chose 15-13 years of age. Five percent of cases were reported as HlV-positive or having AIDS The proportion of cases occurring between July and November inclusive (63%) was significantly higher than expected (42%) assuming no seasonal variation (p<0.01). The proportion of rural cases observed (29%) was significantly higher than expected (17%) based on the Ontario population (p<0.01). Travel to or prior residence in an endemic area was identified in 22% of the cases where a risk setting was reported (n=265).