SAN ANTONIO – As summer pool and splash pad season ramps up in San Antonio, Metro Health officials are reminding residents to take extra precautions to avoid two illnesses that typically rise this time of year: cryptosporidiosis and cyclosporiasis.
The City of San Antonio Metro Health Department said it routinely monitors reportable diseases, including cryptosporidiosis and cyclosporiasis, and tracks cases reported locally. Case counts for both conditions typically increase in the summer months.
So far in 2026, Metro Health has investigated 36 cryptosporidiosis cases and 15 cyclosporiasis cases. The department said those totals are similar to what it has seen at this time of year in the past. Historical case information is available on Metro Health’s Communicable Disease Dashboard under Food or Waterborne.
To reduce the risk of cryptosporidiosis as families use pools, splash pads and other recreational water sites, Metro Health recommends washing hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding swallowing recreational water, and staying out of pools if experiencing diarrhea. The department noted that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against Cryptosporidium. More prevention information is available from the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/cryptosporidium/prevention/.
For cyclosporiasis, Metro Health is reminding the public to wash hands with soap and water before handling food, rinse produce thoroughly under running water, cut away bruised or damaged spots, and use a clean brush to scrub firm produce such as melons and cucumbers. CDC information is available at https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/index.html
Metro Health said anyone with persistent diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting should contact their health care provider.