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Cryptosporidiosis

.

 

Intestinal

 

Parasite

 

What is Cryptosporidiosis?

Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites.

 

Where does it come from?

It's found in drinking and recreational water. It is one of the most common causes of water-borne disease.

 

How does it make you sick?

The parasite lives in the intestine and passes out of the body in the stool. It's protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive for long periods and makes it resistant to chlorine-based disinfectants. Millions of crypto germs can be released in a bowel movement from an infected person 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, he or she becomes infected.

It spreads by:

  • Accidentally putting something into your mouth or swallowing something that has come into contact with feces of a person or animal infected with Crypto.
  • Swallowing recreational water contaminated with Crypto. 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 people or animals.
  • Eating uncooked food contaminated with Crypto. Thoroughly wash with clean, safe water all vegetables and fruits you plan to eat raw.
  • Accidentally swallowing Crypto picked up from surfaces, such as bathroom fixtures, changing tables, diaper pails or toys, contaminated with feces from an infected person.

 

What are the symptoms?

  • Dehydration
  • Weight loss
  • Stomach cramps or pain
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Some people with Crypto have no symptoms. Whiie the small intestine is the site most commonly affected, Crypto infections could possibly affect other areas of the digestive or the respiratory tracts. In people with healthy immune systems the symptoms typically last one to two weeks. The symptoms may go in cycles in which a person may seem to get better for a few days, then feel worse again before the illness ends.

 

How do I prevent catching a Crypto infection?

Practice good hygiene. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water. Always wash hands after using the toilet and before handling or eating food. Wash hands after diaper changes. Protect others by not swimming if you have diarrhea.

Avoid water that might be contaminated. Don't drink recreational water, untreated water from shallow wells, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds and streams or untreated water during community-wide outbreaks of disease caused by contaminated drinking water. Don't use untreated ice or drinking water when traveling in countries where the water supply may be unsafe.

Avoid food that may be contaminated.

 

Is there treatment for Crypto?

There is no standard treatment, but the symptoms can be treated. Most people with healthy immune systems recover without treatment. During periods of diarrhea, patients should drink plenty of fluids. Health providers may prescribe an anti-diarrheal medicine. If symptoms continue beyond a week or intensify, consult your doctor.

 

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