Epidemiology of Cryptosporidiosis, New York City, New York, USA, 1995-2018

Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic diarrheal infection that is transmitted by the fecal-oral route. We assessed trends in incidence and demographic characteristics for the 3,984 cases diagnosed during 1995-2018 in New York City, New York, USA, and reported to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Reported cryptosporidiosis incidence decreased with HIV/AIDS treatment rollout in the mid-1990s, but the introduction of syndromic multiplex diagnostic panels in 2015 led to a major increase in incidence and to a shift in the demographic profile of reported patients. Incidence was highest among men 20-59 years of age, who consistently represented most (54%) reported patients. In addition, 30% of interviewed patients reported recent international travel. The burden of cryptosporidiosis in New York City is probably highest among men who have sex with men. Prevention messaging is warranted for men who have sex with men and their healthcare providers, as well as for international travelers.