Cases of Diarrhea Caused by Parasite Are Higher Than Usual—Individuals
Advised to
Practice Proper Hygiene to Prevent Spread
August 31, 2007—Denver—State health officials
Friday reported approximately 50 cases
of cryptosporidiosis (crypto) have been reported in Colorado
during
August, an amount four times higher than what is usually
reported for
this time of year. Crypto is a disease caused by a
parasite that can cause loose, watery
diarrhea,
stomach cramps, nausea and a slight fever. The disease can
be spread
in swimming pools as well as lakes and streams. It can be
spread by
swallowing contaminated water or by eating food contaminated
by human or
animal feces, usually from tiny amounts that cannot be seen.
It also
can be spread from person to person, especially in settings
such as
homes and day-care centers where diapers are changed
regularly.
Alicia Cronquist, an epidemiologist at the Colorado
Department of
Public Health and Environment, said, "At this point, there
does not
appear to be a common source for these infections among ill
individuals.
The state health department is working with local health
departments to
investigate possible sources." Cases have been reported
across the state
and affect all ages, she said. Cronquist urged individuals
who are experiencing diarrhea not to swim
and to wait an additional two weeks after they have
recovered to swim .
"If people have diarrhea that lasts for more than one day,
is bloody or
is accompanied by a fever, or if they have other concerns,
they should
contact their health care provider," she advised.
Cronquist advised individuals to take the following actions
to prevent
the spread of crypto in swimming pools and in their
communities:
- Don't swim while having diarrhea and wait for an
additional two
weeks after the diarrhea stops to swim again, even if the
pool is
chlorinated. Crypto is highly resistant to chlorine.
- Don't swallow swimming pool water.
- Take a shower before swimming and wash hands after using
the
toilet or changing diapers. Germs on the body end up in the
water.
- Take children on bathroom breaks and check diapers
often.
- Change diapers in a bathroom and not the poolside; wash
children
thoroughly with soap and water before swimming.
For more information about crypto, go to
www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming
or
call the Department of Public Health and Environment's
Communicable
Disease Program at 303-692-2700.
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