Colorado is the latest U.S. Midwest state to track an increase in cryptosporidium infections. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said earlier this week about 50 cases were reported in August, more than four times the usual number.

Today, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported that cases of confirmed cryptosporidiosis increased from 3,505 for 2003 to 3,911 for 2004 and to 8,269 for 2005, a 111.4 per cent increase. The report makes excellent reading and contains solid advice.