What is Cryptosporidiosis?

Cryptosporidiosis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite, Cryptosporidium parvum. The parasite multiplies in the intestine and produces cysts which are passed from the body in the stool (bowel movement).

Who gets Cryptosporidiosis?

Anyone can get cryptosporidiosis, but those individuals with a weakened immune system, such as that caused by AIDS/HIV infection, cancer and transplant patients who are taking certain immunosuppresive drugs, and those with inherited diseases that affect the immune system are at a higher risk for a more serious illness.

How is Cryptosporidiosis spread?

A person becomes infected with Cryptosporidium by eating or drinking something that was contaminated with infected stool or sewage.

What are the symptoms of Cryptosporidiosis?

Some individuals infected with Cryptosporidium have no symptoms. Others may have diarrhea with loose or watery stool, stomach cramps, upset stomach, and a slight fever.

How soon do symptoms occur?

Symptoms usually appear 2 to 10 days after becoming infected with Cryptosporidium.

How long will symptoms last?

Symptoms usually last about 2 weeks. Symptoms may seem to get better, then worse. Cryptosporidium continues to be passed in the stool of an infected person for up to 2 months after the patient begins to feel better. During this 2 month period the individual may spread the infection to others if his/her personal hygiene is not good.

How is Cryptosporidiosis diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you to submit stool specimens to see if you are infected. Because testing for Cryptosporidium infection can be difficult, you may be asked to submit several stool specimens over several days. Identification of this parasite in stool requires special laboratory tests that are not routinely done. Therefore, your doctor should specifically request testing for Cryptosporidium . Your doctor may have your stool checked for other organisms that can cause similar symptoms.

What is the treatment for Cryptosporidiosis?

There is no effective treatment for cryptosporidiosis. Most individuals with a healthy immune system will recover on their own. Individuals who are in poor health or who have a weakened immune system are at higher risk for more severe illness. If you have diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

How long is an infected person infectious to others?

An infected person is infectious to others as long as Cryptosporidium oocysts are being passed in the stool. This may continue for several weeks after the symptoms resolve.

Should an infected person be excluded from work or school?

Under ordinary circumstances, it should not be necessary to exclude an infected person from work or school. The type of personal contact in work and school environments does not normally transmit amebiasis.

Special precautions are indicated for foodhandlers and young children attending day care. Foodhandlers who are infected should not work directly with food until treatment has been completed. Young children who attend day care should be kept at home while they have diarrhea. Consult your local health department for further advice in these circumstances.

How can Cryptosporidiosis be prevented?

• Practice good handwashing habits after going to the bathroom, before preparing meals, and before eating.
• Practice good handwashing after changing diapers.
• Drink water only from sources known to be free of sewage contamination.
• Wash and/or peel all raw vegetables and fruits before eating.

More about Cryptosporidiosis

• Surveillance Case Definitions