Cryptosporidiosis a Parasitic Infection: Time to Tackle it

Cryptosporidiosis is a type of Cryptosporidium parasite-caused gastroenteritis (gastro). Symptoms may take one to twelve days after infection. Cryptosporidium parasites can infect anyone. When parasites are taken in by mouth, cryptosporidiosis occurs. This can happen directly by eating contaminated food and water or, more commonly, from individual to individual or animal to individual. Cryptosporidiosis symptoms may last several weeks.

Typical symptoms include:

♦ watery cramps of stomach diarrhea bloating fever from vomiting.

♦ Usually, cryptosporidiosis causes mild symptoms. However, it can be a serious infection for people whose disease already weakens their immune systems.

Causes of cryptosporidiosis:  Cryptosporidium parasites live in humans' intestines as well as in wild animals, pets and farms.

♦ The parasite is present in people with cryptosporidiosis in their feces.

♦ The infection spreads when, after going to the toilet, infected people do not wash their hands properly

♦ Contaminated hands can then spread the parasites to foods that may be eaten by others and surfaces that may be affected by other hands become contaminated while handling infected animals or changing an infected infant's nappy from drinking contaminated water,

♦ Unpasteurized milk or swallowing contaminated pool water.

Cryptosporidiosis in public places Infant care centers, public swimming pools, and contaminated water supplies were associated with outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis. In their household travelers, the majority of reported cases occur among Young children and people in close contact with animals.

Cryptosporidiosis treatment Treatment usually involves supporting the individual. They may need fluid and electrolyte substitution therapy in severe cases. Prevention tips for cryptosporidiosis After your diarrhea stops, you may stay infectious for several weeks. To prevent infection spread: Keep kids from school or child care home until their diarrhea has stopped. Wash your hands properly, particularly after using the toilet, changing nappies and handling animals. Use towels of paper to dry hands. For food handlers, this is important. Food managers, child care workers, and health workers are not allowed to work until symptoms have stopped. After diarrhea has stopped, do not swim for two weeks. Clean regularly bathrooms and other surfaces. Before drinking, filter or boil contaminated water. If you develop gastroenteritis, seek medical attention, contact your doctor if you think you or your child may have cryptosporidiosis. A stool (feces or 'poo') sample will be asked for testing by the doctor. If the test results show you have cryptosporidiosis, the doctor will be able to advise you.