Bug of the Month: Cryptosporidium Infection / Cryptosporidiosis
Cryptosporidium Infection
Cryptosporidiosis (KRIP-toe-spo-rid-ee-OH-sis)
What is cryptosporidiosis?
Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites of
the genus Cryptosporidium. Once an animal or person is infected, the
parasite lives in the intestine and passes in the stool. The parasite is
protected by an outer shell that allows chlorine based disinfectants. Both
the disease and the parasite are commonly known as "crypto".
During the past two decades, crypto has become recognized as one of the most
common causes of waterborne disease within humans in the United States. The
parasite may be found in drinking water and recreational water in every
region of the United States and throughout the world.
How is cryptosporidiosis spread?
Cryptosporidium lives in the intestine of infected humans or animals.
Millions of crypto germs can be released in a bowel movement from an
infected human or animal. Consequently, Cryptosporidium is found in soil,
food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with infected human or
animal feces. If a person swallows the parasite they become infected. You
cannot become infected through contact with blood. The parasite can be
spread by:
Swallowing recreational water contaminated with Cryptosporidium
(Recreational water includes water in swimming pools, hot tubs, Jacuzzis,
fountains, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, or streams that can be
contaminated with sewage or feces from humans or animals). Note: According
to Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Cryptosporidium can survive for days
in swimming pools with adequate chlorine levels.
Eating uncooked food contaminated with Cryptosporidium. Thoughly wash all
vegetables and fruits you plan to eat raw.
What are the symptoms of cryptosporidiosis?
The most common symptom of cryptosporidiosis is watery diarrhea. Other
symptoms include; dehydration, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, fever,
nausea and vomiting.
Some people with crypto will have no symptoms at all.
How long after infection do symptoms appear?
Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis generally begin 2 to 10 after becoming
infected with the parasite.
If I have been diagnosed with Cryptosporidium, should I worry about
spreading the infection to others?
Yes, Cryptosporidium can be very contagious.
How is cryptosporidiosis diagnosed?
Your health care provider will ask you to submit stool samples to see if you
are infected.
How can I prevent cryptosporidiosis?
Practice good hygiene
1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Wash hands after using the toilet and before handling or eating food.
3. Wash hands after every diaper change.
4. Protect others by not swimming, if you are experiencing diarrhea.
Avoid water that might be contaminated.
1. Do not swallow recreational water.
2. Do not drink untreated water from shallow wells, lakes, rivers,
springs, ponds and streams.
3. Do not drink untreated water or untreated ice when traveling in
countries where the water supply might be unsafe.
Contact: Kasey L. Smith-Alexander, (505) 768-2632
