Gastroenteritis - cryptosporidiosis
Gastroenteritis - cryptosporidiosis
What is cryptosporidiosis?
Cryptosporidiosis is a type of
gastroenteritis (gastro)
caused by the parasite
Cryptosporidium
.
Symptoms can take between one and 12 days to develop after infection. Anyone can become infected with Cryptosporidium parasites.
Cryptosporidiosis occurs when the parasites are taken in by mouth. This can happen directly through eating contaminated food and water or, more commonly, from person to person or animal to person.
Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis
Cryptosporidiosis symptoms may last several weeks. Typical symptoms include:
watery diarrhoea
stomach cramps
bloating
vomiting
fever
.
Cryptosporidiosis usually causes mild symptoms. It can, however, be a serious infection for people whose
immune systems
are already weakened by disease.
Causes of cryptosporidiosis
Cryptosporidium
parasites live in the bowels of humans and in wild, pet and farm animals. People with cryptosporidiosis have the parasite in their faeces.
The infection spreads when:
infected people do not wash their hands properly after going to the toilet. Contaminated hands can then spread the parasites to food that may be eaten by others and surfaces that may be touched by others
hands become contaminated while handling infected animals or changing the nappy of an infected infant
people drink contaminated water,
unpasteurised milk
or swallow
contaminated swimming pool water
.
Cryptosporidiosis in public places
Outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis have been associated with childcare centres, public swimming pools and contaminated water supplies. Most reported cases occur among:
young children and people in their household
travellers
people in close contact with animals.
Treatment for cryptosporidiosis
Treatment usually involves supporting the person. In severe cases, they may need fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy.
Prevention tips for cryptosporidiosis
You may remain infectious for several weeks after your diarrhoea stops. To prevent the spread of the infection:
Keep children home from school or child care until their diarrhoea has stopped.
Wash hands
thoroughly with soap and hot running water for at least 15 seconds, especially after using the toilet, changing nappies and handling animals.
Use paper towels when drying hands. This is important for food handlers.
Food handlers, child care workers and healthcare workers must not work until symptoms have stopped.
Do not swim for 2 weeks after diarrhoea has stopped.
Clean bathrooms and other surfaces regularly.
Filter or boil contaminated water before drinking.
Seek medical attention if you develop gastroenteritis
If you think you or your child may have cryptosporidiosis, contact your doctor. The doctor will ask you for a stool (faeces) sample for testing.
If the results of the tests show that you have cryptosporidiosis, the doctor will be able to provide you with advice and will also notify the Department of Health, Victoria.
Where to get help
Your
GP (doctor)
NURSE-ON-CALL
Tel.
1300 606 024
– for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
Your
local
council
External Link
health department
Infectious
Diseases
External Link
, Department of Health. Tel.
1300 651 160