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Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidum is diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites that can live in the intestine of humans and animals and is passed in the stool of an infected person or animal. The parasite can live outside the body for a long time and it is very resistant to chlorine.

It can be found in soil, food, water, and surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals.

 

 

It is transmitted by:

• Putting something in your mouth or accidentally swallowing something that has come into contact with stool
• Swallowing recreational water that is contaminated
• Swallowing contaminated water or beverages
• Eating uncooked food that is contaminated
• Touching your mouth with contaminated hands
• Exposure to human feces through sexual contact

Signs & Symptoms: begin 2-10 days after exposure and last 1-2 weeks.

• Watery Diarrhea
• Stomach Cramps
• Dehydration
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Fever
• Weight Loss

Risk Factors:

• Children who attend day care
• Child care workers
• Parents of infected children
• International travelers
• Backpackers, hikers, and campers who drink unfiltered, untreated water
• People who drink from shallow, unprotected wells
• People, including swimmers who swallow water from contaminated sources
• People who handle infected cattle
• People exposed to human feces through sexual contact

Prevention:

• Do not swallow recreational water
• Do not drink untreated water from shallow wells, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, or streams
• Do not drink tap water or ice that has not been boiled during a boil water alert.
• Do not use or consume untreated water or ice when traveling in countries with minimal water treatment and sanitation facilities.
• Use safe, uncontaminated water to wash all food that is to be eaten raw.
• Peel fruits and vegetables after washing.
• Avoid eating uncooked foods when traveling in countries with minimal water treatment and sanitation facilities.
• Avoid oral-anal contact with fecal matter during sexual activity.
• Heat contaminated drinking water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute before drinking.
• Do not rely on chemicals such as chlorine or iodine to treat water.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet and before handling or eating food.
• Wash hands after every diaper change, even if wearing gloves.
• Do not swim for up to two weeks after you have diarrhea (this includes children wearing diapers).