Hamilton County Public Health is reporting an increased rate of gastrointestinal illness caused by Cryptosporidium (Crypto) in the region. With Labor Day weekend approaching and many planning to enjoy the last days of swimming season, it is crucial to take precautions to prevent the spread of this illness.
What is Cryptosporidium?
Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites that can lead to symptoms such as loose, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and slight fever. Symptoms typically appear 2 to 10 days after infection and can last for one to two weeks. While most healthy individuals recover without treatment, those with compromised immune systems, children, and pregnant women are at a higher risk for severe symptoms and dehydration.
How is Crypto Spread?
Crypto is highly contagious and can be spread through:
- Accidentally putting something in your mouth or swallowing something that has come into contact with feces of a person or animal infected with the parasite.
- Swallowing water contaminated with Crypto. Especially during swimming season, potential water sources include swimming pools, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, fountains, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds or streams that can be contaminated with sewage or feces from humans or animals.
- Eating uncooked food contaminated with crypto.
- Accidentally swallowing Crypto picked up from surfaces such as bathroom fixtures, changing tables, diaper pails or toys contaminated with feces from an infected person.
Prevention Tips
To reduce your risk of infection, Hamilton County Public Health recommends the following:
- Shower before swimming.
- Take young children to the restroom often.
- Change diapers away from the pool.
- Drink safe water.
- Wash your hands often.
- Practice safer sex.
- Avoid touching farm animals.
- Avoid touching stool from pets.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers or pools and when using hot tubs.
- People with diarrheal illness should avoid participation in recreational water activities (i.e. pools, spray and water parks, etc.) for three weeks after onset of symptoms.
- Wash and thoroughly cook food.
For more information, please visit the Hamilton County Public Health website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
