Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis is an infection caused by microscopic parasites called Cryptosporidium parvum. These parasites are found worldwide, including in New Brunswick. The parasites live in the intestines of infected people and animals, such as cattle. The parasites cause gastrointestinal illness and are passed in the feces. Cryptosporidium parasites are one of the most common causes of diarrhea.

Diagnosis of infection is based on assessment of clinical symptoms by a health-care provider and laboratory testing of a stool sample. 

Symptoms usually appear two to 10 days after a person becomes infected. Most people who become ill have diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, dehydration and a mild fever. Symptoms usually last about two weeks and may come and go before the illness ends. Some people who are infected may not have any symptoms but can still spread the bacteria.

Cryptosporidium parasites are passed in the feces of infected persons and animals. The parasites can be found in soil, food, water or on surfaces contaminated with feces. The parasites are spread by person to person contact, by animal to person contact, by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. 

Cryptosporidium parasites are protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of time. Drinking untreated or improperly treated water is the most common method of transmission. 

Some examples of how the parasites can spread include: 

• drinking untreated water from lakes and streams contaminated with animal feces 
• swallowing contaminated water while swimming in lakes, streams, swimming pools and hot tubs 
• touching your mouth with contaminated hands after: 
  • touching surfaces such as diaper change tables, toilet and faucet handles 
  • diapering 
  • caring for an infected person  
  • handling an infected animal, such as a cow or calf 
  • eating unwashed fruit or vegetables

Anyone exposed to the parasite can become infected. Young children, the elderly and persons with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of more serious disease. 

People with diarrhea should drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration, stay home when ill and practice good personal hygiene including hand washing. Avoid preparing food for others while you have symptoms and for 48 hours after you recover. Consult your health-care provider for advice and treatment if you have bloody or severe diarrhea; prescription medicines can be used.

Health-care providers and laboratories are required to report cases to Public Health. Public Health staff may investigate to find out how the infection occurred, identify other people who may be at risk of infection, implement control measures and provide advice as necessary, including exclusion of infected workers in high-risk occupations like persons involved in food handling, direct patient care and care of the young or the elderly.

Use good environmental management. Flush or discard any stool in the toilet and clean surrounding area using hot water and detergent. A chlorine-based disinfectant is recommended.  

Practice good personal hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet or changing a diaper, after handling animals or contact with animal feces, after handling raw meats and before preparing or eating food.  

Take food safety precautions. Wash or peel all raw vegetables and fruits before eating. Thoroughly cook all meats (meat, poultry and seafood). Prevent contact of cooked foods with raw poultry and other meat. Drink and eat only pasteurized dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream).  

Drink properly treated water. Avoid swallowing recreational waters from swimming pools and hot tubs. Do not drink untreated water from lakes or streams. Boiling your water for one minute will kill all known pathogens including cryptosporidium or E. coli. Test your private wells’ drinking water twice per year for presence of bacteria. An E. coli bacteria test is used as an indicator for fecal contamination in drinking water.

For additional information, contact your health-care provider, local Public Health office or Tele-Care 811.