Posted:8/11/2006 5:19:04 PM
Modified:8/11/2006 6:43:53 PM
LAWRENCE, KAN. - The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department is reporting two cases of cryptosporidium in a child care facility in Douglas County. Crypto is a disease that causes diarrhea because of a microscopic parasite which can live in the intestine of humans and animals. Families of the children attending this child care facility have been notified and are receiving information about the disease with recommendations to contact their doctor if symptoms develop.
What is Crypto?
Cryptosporidium is a diarrheal disease caused by a microscopic parasite, which can live in the intestine of human and animals and is passed in the stool of the infected person or animal.
How is it spread?
The disease is spread by fecal-oral contact. People with cryptosporidium have parasites in their stool. If they do not wash their hands properly after going to the bathroom, their hands can spread the parasites to surfaces, objects, and foods that will be touched by others. Crypto is very hardy; it has a protective capsule or shell and can survive outside the body for up to six months. Persons also can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the organism. Outbreaks have also been associated with contaminated swimming pools and lakes.
Symptoms of Crypto
The symptoms of cryptosporidium include diarrhea, loose or watery stool, stomach cramps, upset stomach, and a slight fever. For some people, no symptoms appear. Symptoms generally occur within 2 to 10 days of infection. They last about two weeks, but may go in cycles of getting better then worse before the illness ends. People may excrete the parasite for up to two weeks after the symptoms have passed.
Preventing the spread of crypto
Anyone who is experiencing diarrhea should avoid swimming for two weeks after symptoms are gone, and contact their doctor if symptoms persist. Anyone with an immuno-compromised system should take extra precautions and avoid swimming in water that may be contaminated. Continue to practice good hand washing.
Follow the six PLEAs for Healthy Swimming:
* Don't swim when you have diarrhea. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick.
* Don't swallow the pool water. In fact, avoid getting water in your mouth.
* Practice good hygiene. Shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water.
* Take children on bathroom breaks or change diapers often. Waiting to hear "I have to go" may mean that it's too late.
* Change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside. Germs can spread to surfaces and objects in and around the pool and spread illness.
* Wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming.
