Clinical and epidemiologic features of a massive waterborne outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in person with HIV infection

During March and April 1993, a massive outbreak of Cryptosporidium infection resulted from contamination of the public water supply in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The health impact of this outbreak in HIV-infected persons was unknown but was perceived as severe. We surveyed HIV-infected persons who resided in the greater Milwaukee area to examine the acute health impact of cryptosporidiosis on this population. Data from a random-digit dialing survey in the general population residing in the same area were used for comparison.