Health Department confirms cases of cryptosporidiosis in county

Cryptosporidiosis, often referred as crypto, is a parasite that causes diarrhea. Cryptosporidium is found in the feces (stool) of an infected person or animal. Individuals become ill with the parasite by putting something in their mouth that has been contaminated with the stool from an infected person or animal.  It can also spread by swallowing contaminated food or water.

Watery diarrhea partnered with stomach cramps are the most common symptoms of crypto. Other symptoms can include: headache, nausea, vomiting and a low-grade fever.

“Crypto is highly contagious and the parasite is hard to kill,” explains Karen Crimmings, Disease Prevention and Investigation Service Manager for the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health. “We want to provide the public with helpful prevention tips to lessen the spread of the illness in our area.”

To prevent the spread of crypto, follow the tips listed below:

• Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling food or eating, after using the toilet or changing diapers, and after contact with animals, especially cattle.
• If someone is diagnosed with crypto, use 3% hydrogen peroxide (commonly found in a brown bottle) to clean common surface areas within the home; crypto is resistant to bleach.
• Dispose of feces such as dirty diapers in a sanitary manner, especially in child care centers or other institutional settings.
• Children with diarrhea should remain out of child care settings until the diarrhea has stopped.
• Persons should stop using swimming pools or other aquatic facilities while ill and for at least 2 weeks after diarrhea resolves. People can pass the parasite in stool and contaminate water for weeks after symptoms have stopped.
• Persons with diarrhea should not prepare food until it has resolved.

For more information about cryptosporidiosis, please call (641) 421-9323 or visit our web site at www.cghealth.com