Cryptosporidiosis

What is cryptosporidiosis?

Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrhea illness in humans caused by the microscopic parasite cryptosporidium.

This parasite lives in the intestine of humans and animals and is passed in infected stool (poop). This parasite is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of time and makes it very resistant to chlorine disinfection.

How does it spread?

A person gets sick when they eat food or drink water contaminated with the parasite. It can also spread through contact with infected stool from people or animals.

Signs and symptoms of cryptosporidiosis

Symptoms usually start two to 10 days after someone gets the parasite. Symptoms can last one to two weeks. Some people feel better for a few days, then feel sick again before the illness is over. Some people do not feel sick at all.

Some common symptoms of cryptosporidiosis include:

  • watery diarrhea
  • nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
  • vomiting
  • stomach pain or cramps
  • fever
  • feeling very tired or weak

Prevent the spread of cryptosporidiosis

Individuals who are experiencing symptoms should stay home when they are sick and for at least 48 hours after diarrhea has stopped. Do not go to work, school, childcare or participate in recreational activities.

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for 15 seconds and dry thoroughly. Hands should be washed before eating, cooking or feeding children and after using the toilet or changing diapers.
    • Hand sanitizer does not work against cryptosporidiosis.
  • Do not swim if you have diarrhea.
    • Stay out of pools, hot tubs and splash pads until at least two weeks after your symptoms have completely stopped.
    • Cryptosporidium is resistant to low concentrations of chlorine, like what is usually found in a pool or hot tub.
  • Practice safer sex.
    • Wait to have sex (vaginal, anal, and oral) for two weeks after diarrhea has stopped.
    • Reduce your contact with stool during sex by using barrier methods (condoms, dental dams) and wash your sex toys, hands, genitals and anus with soap and water before and after sexual activity.
  • Avoid drinking water directly from rivers, creeks, springs or lakes.
  • Avoid food that might be contaminated. Wash with a safe water supply and peel or cook all raw vegetables and fruits before eating.
  • Contact a health-care provider if your symptoms are severe or diarrhea lasts for more than 48 hours.

Resources

Frequently asked questions

No. The parasite is so small that only water filters that remove particles smaller than one micron are effective. Jug-type water filters are not effective in removing cryptosporidium.

In cases where cryptosporidium has been identified in a drinking water source, Southeast Public Health will issue a boil water advisory with specific instructions for how to proceed.

Contact a health-care provider if your symptoms are severe or diarrhea lasts for more than 48 hours.

Your health-care provider will ask you to collect stool samples for testing.

Most people get better without treatment. However, individuals with weakened immune systems due to medications or health conditions (for example, those undergoing cancer treatment) may experience more severe illness and require medication.