Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases
Cryptosporidiosis
Reportable to local or state health department
Consult the health department before posting/distributing Parent/Guardian fact sheet.
Cause
Cryptosporidium, a parasite.
Symptoms
Frequent watery diarrhea, vomiting, and low-grade fever that lasts for several days are the most common symptoms. Other symptoms include stomach cramps, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Illness usually lasts from 7 to 10 days, but may last up to 3 weeks. Infected persons may have mild symptoms or may not have any symptoms at all. In persons with weakened immune systems, it can cause very serious illness and even result in death.
Spread
Cryptosporidium parasites leave the body through the feces of an infected person and enter another person when hands, food, or objects (such as toys) contaminated with feces are placed in the mouth. Spread can occur when people do not wash their hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Spread can occur through contact with infected pets and farm animals, particularly cattle.
Outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis have occurred as a result of eating food and drinking water contaminated by the parasite. Waterborne outbreaks have occurred both as a result of drinking contaminated water and from swimming or playing in contaminated pools, lakes, or fountains.
Incubation
It takes 2 to 14 days, usually about 7 days, from the time a person is exposed until symptoms begin.
Contagious Period
As long as Cryptosporidium is present in the feces, a person can pass the bacteria on to other people. Cryptosporidium can be present in feces for at least 2 weeks after symptoms have stopped.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: Until the child has been free of diarrhea for at least 24 hours.
No one with Cryptosporidium should use swimming beaches, pools, water parks, spas, or hot tubs for 2 weeks after diarrhea has stopped.
Exclude symptomatic staff with Cryptosporidium from working in food service.
Diagnosis
Recommend parents/guardians call their healthcare provider if their child has symptoms. There is a lab test to detect Cryptosporidium in the feces.
Treatment
An antiparasitic drug has been approved for treatment of children and adults with healthy immune systems; however, the majority of healthy persons who are infected with Cryptosporidium get better without any specific treatment. Vomiting and diarrhea may lead to dehydration, which may be a medical emergency. Ask a healthcare provider how to prevent dehydration.
Prevention/Control
- Regular and thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food. Staff should closely monitor or assist all children, as appropriate, with handwashing after children have used the bathroom or been diapered.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water immediately after handling pets and touching farm animals, particularly cattle.
- Restrict students from sharing any communal food items that are brought from home. In the classroom, children should not serve themselves food items that are not individually wrapped. The teacher should hand out these items after washing his/her hands. (This is not intended to discourage family-style serving in the absence of an outbreak.)
- DO NOT swallow water when swimming in lakes, swimming pools, hot tubs, or fountains. Cryptosporidium can survive for days in swimming pools with adequate chlorine levels.
- Clean and disinfect diapering area and potty chairs after each use and bathroom toilets, sinks, and toys at least daily and when soiled.
Disinfecting Solutions
Bleach solutions are not effective for inactivating the Cryptosporidium parasite. Mechanically cleaning surfaces by scrubbing with soap or detergent and water will help reduce parasites. Contact your local health department for disinfection recommendations if an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis occurs.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.
Cryptosporidiosis Parent Fact Sheet
Your child may have been exposed to:
Cryptosporidiosis
Cryptosporidiosis is an infection of the intestines caused by a parasite.
If you think your child has Cryptosporidiosis:
- Tell your child care provider or call the school.
- Need to stay home?
- Child Care and School:
Yes, until the child has been free of diarrhea for at least 24 hours.
- Child Care and School:
In addition, anyone with Cryptosporidiosis should not use swimming beaches, pools, water parks, spas, or hot tubs for 2 weeks after diarrhea has stopped.
Symptoms
Your child may have watery diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Your child may not be hungry or may complain about stomach pain. Illness can last 2 to 3 weeks (average of 7 to 10 days).
If your child is infected, it may take 2 to 14 days for symptoms to start.
Spread
- By eating or drinking contaminated food or beverages.
- By touching contaminated hands, surfaces, or objects.
- By handling pets and farm animals.
Contagious Period
The illness can spread as long as Cryptosporidium parasites are in the feces. This may be 2 weeks or longer.
Call your Healthcare Provider
- If anyone in your home has symptoms. There is a medical test to detect the parasite. There is a treatment; however, most people get better without any specific treatment.
- Ask how to prevent dehydration. Your child may become dehydrated due to vomiting and diarrhea.
Prevention
- Wash hands after using the toilet and changing diapers and before preparing food or eating. Your child may need help with handwashing.
- Clean and disinfect any objects that come in contact with feces. This includes toilets (potty chairs), sinks, toys, and diaper changing areas. Use a product that kills parasites.
- Pets and farm animals (particularly cattle) can cause cryptosporidiosis. Wash your hands after touching pets and farm animals.
- DO NOT swallow water when swimming in lakes, swimming pools, hot tubs or fountains. Spread can occur through contaminated water.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.