Health officials in Southwest Ohio are concerned about an increase in cases of Cryptosporidiosis, more commonly known as Crypto. Crypto is an illness chiefly characterized by watery diarrhea.
Crypto is a parasitic disease caused by microscopic parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium. It spreads easily through water. Infected individuals develop loose, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and a slight fever. Symptoms may begin two to 10 days after becoming infected, with an average of seven days. Most persons with healthy immune systems will recover without treatment and symptoms will usually last about one to two weeks. However, persons with Crypto can continue to shed the organism in their stool for up to two weeks after their diarrhea ceases. As a result, residents who have had diarrhea in the past two weeks should stay out of swimming pools, spas and hot tubs.
While Crypto is easily spread by swallowing water (either from swimming or drinking) contaminated by human feces, it can also be transmited from person to person if proper hand washing and sanitary procedures are not followed. It is also easily spread in setings such as homes and daycare centers where diapers are changed regularly.
Hand washing is in fact the number one thing you can do to prevent the spread of Crypto and many other communicable diseases. At home:
- Wash hands after using the bathroom or changing a diaper, playing with animals, sneezing or coughing, touching objects used by others, or exposure to a sick person.
- Young children with diarrheal symptoms should be bathed separately from other children in the household.
- Disinfect bath tub after each use if a household member has diarrheal symptoms.
By taking these simple precautions in the home and staying out of pools, spas and hot tubs if you’re ill, you can help stop the spread of Crypto and prevent your family and friends from becoming sick.
Updated 8/24/2007