The Darke County Department of Health has recently encountered a rise in the local number of Cryptosporidium cases. The Darke County Population needs to be aware of the following points of information:
To define: Cryptosporidium is a diarrheal disease caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, a single-celled parasite. This parasite affects both animals and humans. It produces oocysts which are shed in feces of infected persons or animals. The oocysts are the infectious form of the parasite. They are microscopic in size and are extremely hardy. Anyone can get cryptosporidium. The risk of this disease is increased by drinking unfiltered water from rivers, lakes or streams, and from close association with infected persons or animals.
Cryptosporidium is contracted by swallowing oocysts of this parasite in contaminated food or water. The infectious oocysts are often present in surface water (creeks, streams, rivers, lakes and ponds). The oocysts resist chlorination and are difficult to filter. Person-to person transmission of infective oocysts may occur as a result of inadequate hand washing (fecal-oral transmission) or sexual activities. Direct contact with infected animals, such as cattle and sheep, can also lead to infection.
Symptoms of Cryptosporidium: The most common symptom is diarrhea, which is usually watery and profuse. The diarrhea is often accompanied by abdominal cramping. Nausea, vomiting, low-grade fever, headache and loss of appetite may also occur. In an otherwise healthy person, symptoms usually continue for one to two weeks. A person whose immune system is weakened by HIV infection, cancer chemotherapy, steroid therapy or who is otherwise immunocompromised may experience persistent, even a life-threatening illness. Symptoms usually appear one week after exposure.
How long can an infected person carry this parasite? A person with a healthy immune system usually clears this parasite within two to three weeks. However, this parasite can continue to be shed within a recovered person’s stool for up to three or four weeks after becoming well. Immunocompromised individuals whose disease is persistent continue to shed oocysts for the duration of their infection.
Diagnosis of this condition is based on microscopic identification of the oocysts in the stool of a symptomatic or asymptomatic (clinically well but infected) person. In other words, if you or one of your family members are suffering from any of the above mentioned symptoms, consider visiting your family physician for an evaluation.
Treatment for Cryptosporidium is supportive, and is directed toward preventing dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. No antiparasitic drug has been identified that is effective against the problem. Anti-diarrheal medications may be prescribed.
How is cryptosporidium prevented? The most effective means of preventing transmission of the parasite is by washing hands with soap and water, particularly after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before handling food. Wash and/ or cook food. Cooking kills Cryptosporidum. Do not eat or drink the following items unless they are pasteurized: milk, dairy products, juice and cider. Wash hands thoroughly after working in soil and after handling household pets, farm animals (especially those less than 6 months old), or stray animals. Do not drink or swallow water directly from rivers, lakes, streams, springs or pools.
Comments on bottled water, filters, boiling and chlorination: Bottled water from a wide range of sources is marketed. Read the labels carefully. Only bottled water that has been distilled or treated by reverse osmosis can be considered free of oocysts. Point-of-use filters must also be examined carefully. To remove oocysts of Cryptosporidium, filters must have an absolute filtration range of one um or less. Bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute destroys oocysts. Ground water (well water) from an approved well is ordinarily safe. Chlorination alone will not destroy oocysts in surface water or in well water that is contaminated by surface water.
If any one has any further questions about this concern, please contact the Darke County Department of Health @ 548-4196, ext. 209.
