Investigation of a Microsporidia keratitis outbreak at condominium A, Bangkok, May-July 2024

Authors

  • Thanaphon Yisankhun Division of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health (TH)
  • Phanthanee Thitichai Thailand Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), Division of Epidemiology, Department of Diseases Control, Ministry of Public Health (TH)
  • Panita Kumphon Division of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
  • Yuwadee Kaewpradab Division of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
  • Borimas Saksirisampan Division of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59096/wesr.v57i2.7544

Keywords:

Microsporidia keratitis, condominium, Bangkok

Abstract

Summary box

  • Microsporidia can contaminate water tanks starting from dirty water sources, tanks that are not properly closed, damaged or not cleaned regularly. Microsporidia infections have a low incidence rate and are often associated with soil or mud exposure (e.g., rugby keratitis). No prior outbreaks of microsporidia in condominium or high-rise buildings have been reported.
  • This is the first reported outbreak of microsporidia in a large cluster among condominium residents associated with the use of contaminated water in the condominium water system.
  • This investigation emphasizes the importance of maintaining water quality in condominiums according to standard guidelines. Proper maintenance can effectively prevent keratitis among residents.

 

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Microsporidiosis [Internet]. Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; [cited 2024 Dec 26]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/microsporidiosis/index.html

Bureau of Food and Water Sanitation, Department of Health. Guidelines for managing water quality in high-rise buildings [Internet]. Nonthaburi: Department of Health; [cited 2024 Dec 26]. Available from: https://foodsan.anamai.moph.go.th/web-upload/migrated/files/foodsan/n3138_560b2b363e579387faf5f3dda07095fe20_การดูแลถังสำรองน้ำในอาคารสูง.pdf (in Thai)

Tan J, Lee P, Lai Y, Hishamuddin P, Tay J, Tan AL, et al. Microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis after rugby tournament, Singapore. Emerg Infect Dis. 2013;19(9):1484–6. doi:10.3201/eid1909.121464.

Huang AS, Cho JS, Bertram BA. Microsporidial keratitis related to water exposure: a case series. Cureus. 2021;13(6):e15760. doi:10.7759/cureus.15760.

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Published

2026-02-28

How to Cite

Yisankhun, T., Thitichai, P., Kumphon, P., Kaewpradab, Y., & Saksirisampan, B. (2026). Investigation of a Microsporidia keratitis outbreak at condominium A, Bangkok, May-July 2024. Weekly Epidemiological Surveillance Report, 57(2), e7544. https://doi.org/10.59096/wesr.v57i2.7544

Issue

Vol. 57 No. 2 (2026): February 2026

Section

Note from the field/preliminary investigation

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