Hamilton County Public Health is urging residents to be on the lookout for symptoms of Cryptosporidium (or Crypto for short) as it continues to spread in the area over the past few weeks. This comes after the city of Wilder, Kentucky, temporarily closed its community splash pad on Friday to prevent the spread of the parasite in the Cincinnati metropolitan area. “There has been quite a bit of discussion recently about increased rates of gastrointestinal illness caused by Cryptosporidium (Crypto) in the area,” said Hamilton County Health Department Director Greg Kesterman. “With Labor Day weekend approaching, which typically marks the last weekend of pool activity, crowds are likely to be high. It's important to remind everyone that we want to make this a safe and healthy weekend for everyone.” Hamilton County Public Health says Cryptosporidium is commonly spread in pools and other water sources, and people won't know if the water is contaminated until a person is infected with the disease. In addition to spreading through water, Cryptosporidium can also be spread by eating raw food or putting objects in their mouth that may be contaminated with feces. “Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium,” said Dr. Steve Feagins, medical director of the Hamilton County Public Health Department. “Infected individuals develop soft diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and low-grade fever. Symptoms can begin 2-10 days after infection, with an average of 7 days.” He continued. “In people with healthy immune systems, symptoms usually last 1-2 weeks. Symptoms may come in cycles and appear to get better for a few days, then worsen again before the illness clears. Most people with healthy immune systems recover without treatment, but even healthy people can become seriously ill.” The Department of Health says the crypto fungus is one of the most common causes of waterborne illness in the United States. At least 12 cases have been confirmed in the Cincinnati area in the past month, with many more suspected cases identified. While crypto is not usually fatal to humans, the Department of Health warns that the disease can be very dangerous for people with weakened immune systems. “The people who can really have problems are people who are immunocompromised,” Feigins said. “If you have immune problems, such as people weakened by cancer treatment or people with HIV/AIDS, crypto symptoms can be severe. In addition, children and pregnant women should consult a doctor for treatment, as they can quickly become dehydrated.” The health department warns that people with small children should be especially careful, as schools and daycare centers tend to be the main locations for large outbreaks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who think they have crypto symptoms can ask their health care provider for a test. The CDC also says that most people with healthy immune systems recover from crypto without treatment, but medications can be effective to manage symptoms such as diarrhea, if recommended by a health care provider. More information about the disease can be found on the CDC website.
Hamilton County Public Health is urging residents to be on the lookout for symptoms of Cryptosporidium, also known as Crypto for short, as it has continued to spread in the area over the past few weeks.
The announcement comes after the city of Wilder, Kentucky, temporarily closed its community splash pad on Friday to prevent the spread of the infestation in the greater Cincinnati area.
“There has been quite a bit of discussion recently in our area about an increase in gastrointestinal illnesses due to Cryptosporidium (Crypto),” said Hamilton County Health Department Director Greg Kesterman. “As we approach Labor Day weekend, which marks the last weekend of pool activities and may be crowded, it's important to remind everyone that we want to make the weekend a safe and healthy one for everyone.”
Hamilton County Public Health says Cryptos is commonly spread in pools and other water sources, and it may not be known if the water is contaminated until someone becomes infected.
In addition to spreading through water, the cryptovirus can also be spread by eating raw food or ingesting objects that may be contaminated with fecal matter.
“Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium,” said Dr. Steve Feagins, medical director for Hamilton County Public Health. “Infected people experience symptoms such as loose stools, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and low-grade fever. Symptoms can begin two to 10 days after infection, with an average of seven days.”
He added: “For people with healthy immune systems, symptoms usually last for one to two weeks. Symptoms may be cyclical and may appear to get better for a few days, then worsen again before the illness clears up. Most people with healthy immune systems will recover without treatment, but even healthy people can experience severe symptoms.”
According to the agency, cryptococcus is one of the most common causes of waterborne disease in the U.S. At least 12 cases have already been confirmed in the Cincinnati area over the past month, with many more suspected cases being identified.
While the cryptovirus is not typically fatal to humans, health officials have warned that the disease can be extremely dangerous for those with weakened immune systems.
“The people who can really have problems are people with weakened immune systems,” Feigins says. “If you have immune problems, like someone weakened by cancer treatment or someone with HIV/AIDS, cryptostomia can be severe. Additionally, children and pregnant women can become dehydrated quickly, so they should talk to their doctor about treatment.”
The ministry has warned that people with young children should be especially careful, as schools and nurseries tend to be hot spots for large outbreaks.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who suspect they may have symptoms of cryptosarcoma can seek testing from their healthcare provider.
The CDC also says that most people with healthy immune systems recover from cryptosporin without treatment, but that medications may be helpful in managing symptoms such as diarrhea if recommended by a health care provider.
More information about the disease can be found on the CDC website.
