19 people diagnosed with cryptosporidium
August 28, 2006
Associated Press
GILLETTE, Wyo. - At least 19 people have now been diagnosed with the parasite cryptosporidium in Campbell and Crook counties, a nearly fourfold increase over the past week.
The parasite causes diarrhea. Outbreaks often are linked to swimming pools and water parks, and the parasite can survive for days even in chlorinated swimming pools.
Last year, only three cases were reported in all of Wyoming, according to Kim Deti, spokeswoman for the Wyoming Department of Health.
The department has been working with Campbell County Public Health to investigate this year's spike in cases in northeast Wyoming.
Nola Wallace, director of the Campbell County Health Department, said a common cause hadn't been pinpointed. Most cases have been in children, but a few cases have been in adults.
"It's not even age specific," Wallace said.
Wallace said people typically get cryptosporidiosis from swimming in lakes and rivers in which infected animals have defecated. Local pools have tested negative for the parasite.
Along with diarrhea, symptoms include fatigue, vomiting, fever and weight loss. Healthy people usually experience symptoms within 20 days of infection.
The parasite itself is not fatal, but Wallace said it is "very trying."
Cryptosporidiosis is treatable with a prescription. If left untreated, the parasite can continue to live in the body, causing episodic sickness.
