Note: This letter originally appeared as an e-mail sent to the Hopkins community on Friday September 29, 2023.
Dear Johns Hopkins Community,
Out of an abundance of caution we are informing you of the following announcement made yesterday by the City of Baltimore.
The Department of Public Works announced that routine tests have detected low levels of a parasite called Cryptosporidium in the Druid Lake Reservoir.
The area affected by the parasite includes the Homewood campus and the following East Baltimore locations: the School of Medicine’s Basic Science Building, the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the School of Nursing.
Cryptosporidium is a microorganism commonly found in lakes and rivers, which can potentially cause gastrointestinal problems, particularly in those who are immunocompromised, elderly, or children. Based on the results, DPW and the Baltimore Health Department has determined that the risk is low and will not severely affect the general population. However, those who are immunocompromised should take precautions by boiling their water or drinking bottled water.
Read DPW’s full release here. For the interactive map for which areas are affected, click here.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide timely updates.
The city has provided the following information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for additional information:
General Information for the Public:
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/crypto/general-info.html
General Information for People with Weakened Immune Systems:
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/crypto/gen_info/infect_ic.html
Prevention & Control – Immunocompromised Persons:
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/crypto/gen_info/prevent_ic.html
A Guide to Water Filters:
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/crypto/gen_info/filters.html
Thank you,
Jon Links
Vice Provost and Chief Risk Officer
Bob McClean
Vice President for Facilities
Kevin Shollenberger
Vice Provost for Student Health & Well-being