Southeast Public Health (SEPH) is continuing to investigate cases of cryptosporidiosis in the Kingston area and is reminding residents of the steps they can take to prevent the spread of the gastrointestinal illness.
Individuals become sick with cryptosporidiosis when they eat food or drink water contaminated with the parasite Cryptosporidium. The illness is also spread through contact with infected feces from people or animals.
Most people with cryptosporidiosis recover without treatment; however, individuals with weakened immune systems due to medications or health conditions (e.g. those undergoing cancer treatment) may experience more severe illness and require medication.
As of Tuesday, June 2, SEPH is investigating 114 cases of the illness. The source of the illness is still under investigation. Water samples were collected from several locations throughout Kingston and at the city’s water treatment plant. All samples tested negative.
Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis include:
- watery diarrhea
- nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
- vomiting
- stomach pain or cramps
- fever
- feeling very tired or weak
Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis usually start two to 10 days after someone gets the parasite and typically last one to two weeks. Some people might feel better for a few days, then feel sick again before they recover. Other people may not feel sick at all.
Cryptosporidiosis can spread from person to person, but there are steps that can be taken to help minimize the spread of illness in our community.
If you are experiencing symptoms of cryptosporidiosis, you should:
- Stay home when you are sick and for at least 48 hours after diarrhea has stopped. Do not go to work, school, childcare or recreational activities.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Hand sanitizer does not work against cryptosporidium. Hands should be washed before eating, cooking, or feeding children and after using the toilet or changing diapers.
- Stay out of pools, hot tubs, and splash pads if you have diarrhea. Wait 14 days after diarrhea has stopped before swimming again.
- Contact a health-care provider if your symptoms are severe or diarrhea lasts for more than 48 hours.
Additional information about cryptosporidiosis can be found on the SEPH website.
