Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis is a disease caused by very small parasites or bugs. Once an animal or person is infected, the parasite lives in the intestine (bowel) and passes in the feces (stool). The parasite is able to survive outside the body for long periods of time and is not killed by house-hold chlorine based cleaners. 

Cryptosporidiosis lives in the intestine (bowel) of infected humans or animals. Millions of cryptosporidiosis germs can be released in a bowel movement from an infected human or animal. As a result, it 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 infected food handlers that have symptoms of the disease.

The most common symptom is watery diarrhea. The symptoms usually last 1 to 2 weeks. Other symptoms include:

• Dehydration (the body does not have enough water)

• Weight loss

• Stomach cramps or pain

• Fever

• Nausea

• Vomiting

 

It can be very contagious. Follow these guidelines to avoid spreading the disease:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.

2. Do not swim in public water (pools, hot tubs, lakes or rivers, the ocean, etc.) if you have cryptosporidiosis and for at least 2 weeks after diarrhea stops.

Note: Cryptosporidiosis can be spread in a chlorinated pool because it is not killed by chlorine and, therefore, can live for days in chlorine-treated swimming pools.

3. Avoid fecal (stool) exposure during sexual activity.