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Published on: December 1, 2023

Outbreak of cutaneous larva migrans at a children's camp--Miami, Florida, 2006

    MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
    |December 14, 2007
    PubMed

    Insights

    A children's day camp outbreak of cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) was linked to cat feces in a sandbox. This highlights the risk of CLM in Florida and the need for environmental hygiene education.

    Area of Science:

    • Public Health
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Environmental Health

    Background:

    • Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM), or creeping eruption, is a skin disease caused by hookworm larvae.
    • CLM is typically associated with exposure to contaminated soil or sand, often from pet feces.
    • Outbreaks of CLM are uncommon but pose a potential health risk, particularly in regions like Florida.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate an outbreak of CLM at a children's aquatic sports day camp.
    • To identify the source and extent of the outbreak.
    • To recommend preventive measures against CLM.

    Main Methods:

    • The Miami-Dade County Health Department (MDCHD) was notified of three CLM cases.
    • An investigation was conducted to determine the outbreak's origin and scope.
    • Epidemiological data and environmental assessments were utilized.

    Main Results:

    • The investigation identified exposure to cat feces in a playground sandbox as the probable source of infection.
    • Three campers were diagnosed with CLM, indicating a localized outbreak.
    • The findings underscore a potential public health hazard in Florida.

    Conclusions:

    • Contaminated sandboxes can serve as a source for CLM transmission.
    • Environmental hygiene and public education are crucial for preventing CLM.
    • CLM outbreaks, though rare, warrant attention in public health surveillance.

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