Cryptosporidiosis “Crypto”

WHAT IS IT?

Cryptosporidiosis (Crypto) is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium (Crypto). A parasite is an organism that feeds off another to survive. It is found on surfaces or in soil, food, or water that has been contaminated with feces from infected humans or animals. Crypto is a leading cause of waterborne disease among humans in the United States. Crypto infection rates have been known to go up during late summer and early fall. Crypto can be spread by:

• Swallowing recreational water (for example, the water in swimming pools, fountains, lakes, rivers) contaminated with Crypto
• Drinking untreated water from a lake or river that is contaminated with Crypto
• Swallowing water, ice, or beverages contaminated with poop from infected humans or animals
• Eating undercooked food or drinking unpasteurized/raw apple cider or milk that gets contaminated with Crypto
• Touching your mouth with contaminated hands
  • Hands can become contaminated through a variety of activities, such as touching surfaces or objects (e.g., toys, bathroom fixtures, changing tables, diaper pails) that have been contaminated by poop from an infected person, changing diapers, caring for an infected person, and touching an infected animal
• Exposure to poop from an infected person through oral-anal sexual contact

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

It generally begins 2 to 10 days after becoming infected with the parasite. Symptoms usually last 1 to 2 weeks but can come and go for up to 30 days.