Cryptosporidium Outbreak in Pinellas County, Florida

The Florida Department of Health has issued a public health alert for a Cryptosporidium outbreak in Pinellas county. As of July 29, 2014, 58 people have been sickened with this parasite in that county. The organisms is found in water that has been contaminated with fecal matter. People usually get sick when they swim in water that has the parasite, or when they touch surfaces or eat food contaminated with feces.

Water parks and public pools are sometimes contaminated with the parasite. In fact, half of the cases in this current outbreak are associated with public pools and water parks in the county. Cryptosporidium cysts remain in the feces and can survive in chlorinated pools. When the cysts are swallowed or go up your nose, you get sick.

There is no cure for Cryptosporidiasis. The symptoms include stomach cramps, nausea, watery and loose diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Palliative care can help ease symptoms.

To prevent the spread of this parasite, always practice proper hand hygiene before preparing or eating food and before and after caring for someone who has diarrhea. If you have had diarrhea, do not swim in a pool or enter a spa until you have been completely recovered for at least two weeks.

Children should be monitored for hand washing before they enter a pool. Take kids on frequent bathroom breaks. Check diapers often and change them as soon as they are soiled, and always change diapers in the bathroom, not poolside. Shower before going into the water, and always wash your hands after going to the bathroom or changing a diaper.