What is Cryptosporidiosis?
Cryptosporidiosis (krip-toh-spo-ri-dee-oh-sus) is a diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites, Cryptosporidium, that can live in the intestines of many mammals, including humans. Although there are many species of Cryptosporidium, only one species, Cryptosporidium parvum, is thought to cause infection in humans.
During the past 20 years, cryptosporidium infection has become recognized as a common cause of waterborne disease in humans.
What are the symptoms of Cryptosporidiosis?
Persons infected with Cryptosporidium may have a variety of intestinal symptoms, including:
- watery diarrhea or loose stool
- stomach cramps or pain
- dehydration
- nausea
- vomiting
- low-grade fever, and
- weight loss
Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis usually begin anywhere from one to 12 days (average of seven days) after becoming infected. The symptoms generally last 10 to 14 days, although occasionally they may last longer.
Persons infected with Cryptosporidium may not have any symptoms. These asymptomatic individuals can still pass the disease on to others.
Cryptosporidium infection can be life-threatening for individuals with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS, those undergoing chemotherapy treatment or persons taking immunosuppressive medication.
If you have any signs and symptoms of illness, and you have exposure to possible sources of Cryptosporidium parasite contact your physician.
How is Cryptosporidiosis spread?
Cryptosporidium forms spore- or egg-like cells called oocysts, which can survive outside the body for long periods of time. The oocysts are resistant to heat, cold and chlorine-based disinfectants.
Cryptosporidium oocysts are released with the bowel movements of infected humans or animals.
You can become infected by:
- ingesting contaminated drinking or recreational water (water that is unsafe to drink)
- touching your mouth with contaminated hands
- putting something in your mouth that has come into contact with the droppings of infected animals or stool of infected humans
- eating raw or undercooked food that is contaminated, or
- exposure to feces of an infected individual through sexual contact.
How is Cryptosporidiosis diagnosed?
Cryptosporidiosis is usually diagnosed by examination of stool samples. Patients may be asked to submit multiple stool samples because detection of Cryptosporidium can be difficult.
How can you prevent Cryptosporidiosis?
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds:
- after using the toilet
- after changing diapers
- after assisting others with the toilet
- after contact with animals
- after working in the garden, and
- before handling food and consuming food.
- Avoid drinking water from shallow wells, rivers, lakes or streams. Only drink water that you know is uncontaminated. If you are not sure, treat the water yourself, for example, by boiling for at least five minutes.
- Follow any boil water advisory issued by your local authorities.
- Peel raw vegetables and fruits before eating. Use uncontaminated water to wash fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid swallowing water while swimming in lakes, rivers or pools.
- Persons who are infected with Cryptosporidium should avoid swimming in recreational water for at least two weeks after diarrhea stops.
- Cryptosporidiosis has been associated with camping and travelling. Campers and travellers should be aware if cryptosporidiosis is common in the area they will be visiting. For more information, consult a travel medicine clinic to assess personal risk and appropriate preventive measures.
What causes Cryptosporidiosis outbreaks?
Community-wide outbreaks have occurred in situations where water treatment plants were unable to fully remove the Cryptosporidium oocytes from drinking water, especially during spring time run-off. Outbreaks have also been caused by contamination of recreational water.
This page provides basic information only. It must not take the place of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to a health care professional about any health concerns.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Public Health Division.
For Further Information
Call the Infectious Disease Program: (807) 625-5900
or toll-free 1-888-294-6630