Cryptosporidium parvum parasites are shown in this slide in purple.
Provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Cryptosporidiosis, the parasitic stomach illness, is spreading throughout the country, with Texas being one of the hot spots. This illness is known for its “explosive” diarrhea.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. reported 145 cases between May 1 and June 15 across 17 states. New York has had the most cases, followed by Texas and Illinois. Forty-five of the cases were acquired by people who had traveled outside of the country and developed symptoms after returning to the U.S. The number of cases in Texas was not immediately available.
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Austin has had a handful of travel-related cases. Austin Public Health could not give the exact number.
In the past 10 years, Texas has had more than 800 cases on average per year. The cases typically occur in outbreaks and are tied to recreational water venues such as pools, water parks and splash pads.
What causes cryptosporidiosis?
May through August is considered cryptosporidiosis season in Texas. It is caused by the microscopic parasite cryptosporidium parvum.
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Cryptosporidium can live on water, soil and food, including vegetables contaminated by infected feces. Cattle are the main host for this parasite, but it can carried by many animals.
Typically cows poop out the cryptosporidium, which then can contaminate waterways where humans swim or drink and on vegetables that are grown near ranches. People then swallow contaminated water, food that has been contaminated by unclean hands or has been harvested in contaminated areas, or play in the soil. The parasite then exits through people’s feces, back into the waterways.
When swimming in natural bodies of water, avoid swallowing water that could have parasites or amoebas in it.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
What are the symptoms of cryptosporidiosis?
Symptoms usually begin two to 10 days after infection. The watery diarrhea can last two to three weeks.
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Symptoms also can include:
Stomach cramps or pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Weight loss
Dehydration
People who have immunecompromising conditions such as HIV, transplants or other conditions that weakens the immune system can experience severe illness, including an inability to absorb nutrients.
This year, 20 people have been hospitalized with severe illness. No deaths have been reported, according to the CDC.
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There is medication that can be given to treat the infection.
How do you prevent the spread of cryptosporidiosis?
Wash your hands with soap and water. This should be done before eating, after going to the bathroom and after playing outside. Hand sanitizer helps prevent bacteria but not this parasite.
Do not drink unfiltered water. If your water is not treated by your local water utility, you should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled. There are water filters that protect against cryptosporidium, but not all filters do.
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Do not drink or eat unpasteurized dairy products or apple cider.
Wash fruits and vegetables with water that has been filtered or provided by your local utility.
Avoid sexual contact with a person who has signs of cryptosporidiosis and wait until two weeks after symptoms end before engaging in sexual activity.
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Use barriers to avoid contact with feces during sex and wash sex toys thoroughly after.
Wash hands, genitals and anus after sex.