S.D. officials warn about intestinal illness
Pierre - A significant number of outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis, an intestinal illness causing stomach cramps and diarrhea, has health officials urging South Dakotans to practice good personal hygiene. Through September, 86 cases have been reported in 23 South Dakota counties, compared to 31 cases for all of last year.
"Good hand-washing is the single most important thing people can to do to prevent the spread of not only cryptosporidiosis, but other diarrheal illnesses as well," said Secretary of Health Doneen Hollingsworth.
Hand-washing is especially important after using the toilet, changing diapers, gardening, handling pets or other animals, caring for infected persons, and before handling or eating food.
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a microscopic parasite called cryptosporidium. People become infected by drinking water or eating food contaminated by the parasite. Infection is also transmitted through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or stools of infected animals or humans.
More after the jump.
