Wellington cryptosporidiosis outbreak and pools

The story so far

Health authorities identified 32 cases of cryptosporidiosis, a gastric illness caused by a microscopic parasite, in the Wellington region, 19 of them in the Hutt Valley.^{20 Mar 2025} The outbreak is connected to swimming pools, and the actual number of infections may be higher than the reported cases.^{20 Mar 2025} Hutt City Council drained the Te Ngaengae toddlers' pool and Huia's hydrotherapy pool, and Health New Zealand linked several cases to these facilities.^{21 Mar 2025} After a child reported severe stomach pain following a swim, two public pools were drained and treated as a precaution, while cases in Wellington continued to rise.^{24 Mar 2025}

Latest

Te Whatu Ora reports that cryptosporidiosis cases in Wellington are still increasing after public pool visits.^{24 Mar 2025} Health officials are monitoring the situation and say they may consider further measures if needed.^{24 Mar 2025}

What's next

Health officials will keep monitoring the outbreak and may consider further measures if necessary.^{24 Mar 2025}

Key moments

1. 20 Mar 2025Health authorities report 32 cryptosporidiosis cases, linked to swimming pools.
2. 20 Mar 2025Cryptosporidiosis cases in Wellington reach more than twice typical levels.
3. 21 Mar 2025Hutt City Council drains two Hutt Valley pools after health links to cases.
4. 24 Mar 2025Severe stomach pain in a child after swimming prompts pool draining precaution.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.