The Cryptosporidium flash in Denmark was traced to the type of product from Italy.
During June and July, the Institute of States serum (SSI) registered 11 cases of Cryptospordium Parum Iizeta.
SSI, Danish Veterinary and Food Enforcement Office (Fèdevarestyrelelsen) and the National Food Institute examined the flash and found that several patients ate in different canteens managed by the same public company.
Parsley with flat leaves from Italy was identified as a possible source of infection.
Six men and five women were sick. Patients were from 22 to 60 years with an average age of 31 years.
Five patients lived in Schelland, four in HoveDstaden and two in Siddanmark. SSI said that these data should be interpreted with caution, since the agency does not receive cryptosporidia-positive samples from all departments of clinical microbiology in the country, and there are regional differences in testing.
SSI sequenced samples from patients and interviewed to identify the source of infection. Interview with patients showed that some of them may be associated with food in different dining rooms. Parsley with flat leaves from Italy was a probable source of infection.
CryptosPoridium in Denmark
Cryptosporidium Parvum Iizeta was first seen in Denmark in May 2024, and five cases were registered until March 2025. This type of cryptosporidia is still reported only in Denmark.
Cryptosporidiosis was considered rare in Denmark and is primarily associated with trips abroad. CryptosPoridium in people fell under national supervision in 2023.
Research published in the journal New microbes and infectionsThey rated all cases in Denmark from 2010 to 2024. After 2021, infections increased, which coincides with the adoption of gastrointestinal syndromatic testing in several local hospitals.
Most patients did not have a history of traveling outside Denmark, but a variety of infecting species involves a series, not yet detected transmission routes.
CryptosPoridium is a parasite that can cause gastrointestinal diseases. The main symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, nausea or vomiting, light fever, loss of appetite and weight loss. Symptoms usually begin two -10 days after contact with the parasite and can last up to two weeks.
(To subscribe to a free subscription to news about food safety, Click here)
