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The Hamilton County Public Health Department is reminding residents to watch out for symptoms of cryptosporidium, often shortened as crypto, as it has continued to spread around the region over the past few weeks.This comes as the city of Wilder, Kentucky, temporarily closed its community splash pad on Friday to try to prevent the spread of the parasite in the Greater Cincinnati area.“There has been considerable recent discussion about the increased rate of gastrointestinal illness as a result of cryptosporidium (crypto) in the region,” said Greg Kesterman, the Hamilton County health commissioner. “With the Labor Day weekend approaching, it’s usually the last weekend for swimming pool activity, and that can draw crowds. It’s important to remind everyone that we want to make the weekend safe and healthy for all.”The Hamilton County Public Health Department says that crypto is commonly spread in swimming pools and other sources of water, and that it may not be possible to know if water is contaminated until a person becomes infected with the disease.In addition to spreading through water, crypto can also be spread by eating uncooked food or putting objects into one’s mouth that may be contaminated with feces.“Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites of the genus cryptosporidium,” said Dr. Steve Feagins, the Hamilton County Public Health medical director. “Infected individuals develop loose, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and slight fever. Symptoms may begin two to 10 days after becoming infected, with an average of seven days.”He continued, “In persons with healthy immune systems, symptoms usually last one to two weeks. Symptoms may occur in cycles during which a person may seem to get better for a few days and then feel worse again before the illness ends. Most people with healthy immune systems recover without treatment, although symptoms can be severe even in healthy individuals.”The department says that crypto is one of the most common causes of waterborne disease in the United States. At least 12 cases have already been confirmed in the Cincinnati area over the past month, with many more suspected cases having been identified.While crypto is usually not lethal in humans, the health department warns that the disease can be very dangerous for people with compromised immune systems.”Where we see the real potential for problems is in people with compromised immune systems,” Feagins said. “If you have immune issues, such as those weakened by cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS patients, etc., crypto symptoms can become severe. In addition, children and pregnant women can quickly dehydrate and should check with their physicians for treatment.”The department warns that those with young children should especially be careful, as schools and day cares tend to be prime locations for large-scale outbreaks.Those who suspect that they may have symptoms of crypto can request a test at their health care provider, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The CDC also says that most people with healthy immune systems will recover from crypto without treatment, but that medications can sometimes be effective for managing symptoms such as diarrhea if one’s health care provider recommends it.More information about the disease can be found on the CDC’s website.
The Hamilton County Public Health Department is reminding residents to watch out for symptoms of cryptosporidium, often shortened as crypto, as it has continued to spread around the region over the past few weeks.
This comes as the city of Wilder, Kentucky, temporarily closed its community splash pad on Friday to try to prevent the spread of the parasite in the Greater Cincinnati area.
“There has been considerable recent discussion about the increased rate of gastrointestinal illness as a result of cryptosporidium (crypto) in the region,” said Greg Kesterman, the Hamilton County health commissioner. “With the Labor Day weekend approaching, it’s usually the last weekend for swimming pool activity, and that can draw crowds. It’s important to remind everyone that we want to make the weekend safe and healthy for all.”
The Hamilton County Public Health Department says that crypto is commonly spread in swimming pools and other sources of water, and that it may not be possible to know if water is contaminated until a person becomes infected with the disease.
In addition to spreading through water, crypto can also be spread by eating uncooked food or putting objects into one’s mouth that may be contaminated with feces.
“Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites of the genus cryptosporidium,” said Dr. Steve Feagins, the Hamilton County Public Health medical director. “Infected individuals develop loose, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and slight fever. Symptoms may begin two to 10 days after becoming infected, with an average of seven days.”
He continued, “In persons with healthy immune systems, symptoms usually last one to two weeks. Symptoms may occur in cycles during which a person may seem to get better for a few days and then feel worse again before the illness ends. Most people with healthy immune systems recover without treatment, although symptoms can be severe even in healthy individuals.”
The department says that crypto is one of the most common causes of waterborne disease in the United States. At least 12 cases have already been confirmed in the Cincinnati area over the past month, with many more suspected cases having been identified.
While crypto is usually not lethal in humans, the health department warns that the disease can be very dangerous for people with compromised immune systems.
“Where we see the real potential for problems is in people with compromised immune systems,” Feagins said. “If you have immune issues, such as those weakened by cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS patients, etc., crypto symptoms can become severe. In addition, children and pregnant women can quickly dehydrate and should check with their physicians for treatment.”
The department warns that those with young children should especially be careful, as schools and day cares tend to be prime locations for large-scale outbreaks.
Those who suspect that they may have symptoms of crypto can request a test at their health care provider, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC also says that most people with healthy immune systems will recover from crypto without treatment, but that medications can sometimes be effective for managing symptoms such as diarrhea if one’s health care provider recommends it.
More information about the disease can be found on the CDC’s website.