CLINICAL DESCRIPTION

An illness caused by the protozoan, Cryptosporidium parvum, and characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, nausea, and vomiting. Asymptomatic infections are common. The disease can be prolonged and life threatening in an immunocompromised person. The infection is acquired through ingestion of oocysts with fecally contaminated food or water.

The incubation period is not precisely known, but 1 - 12 days is the likely range.

Normal water chlorination processes are not effective against the oocyst form of the parasite. However, boiling destroys the oocyst.

1. CONFIRMED

   • Demonstration of Cryptosporidium oocyst in stool, OR

   • Demonstration of Cryptosporidium in intestinal fluid or biopsy specimen, OR

   • Demonstration of Cryptosporidium antigen in the stool by immunofluorescence (IF) or enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISA).
     
     
2. PROBABLE
   
   A clinically compatible case that is epidemiologically linked to a confirmed case by the DHSS.
   
   
3. POSSIBLE
   
   Not used
   
   

What you should know about Cryptosporidiosis?