Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease and it is caused by a parasite cryptosporidium. Crypto is different from the cyclospora outbreak that has recently been in Iowa news.
Guthrie County Public Health Administrator, Lisa Chiodo, states that people usually catch the parasite by coming into contact with persons or animals that are shedding the parasite or they have drank contaminated water.
With the Guthrie County Fair right around the corner, Chiodo would like to give some tips you should follow, “With the Guthrie County Fair coming up the end of August you want to make sure you wash your hands after going through the animal barn. Any people who has contact with animals make sure you wash your hands. Because when you handle the infected animal stool that can become a pathway for that pathogen to infect the person.”
The most important times to make sure to wash your hands are after going to the bathroom and before handling food.
You also need to avoid unpasteurized apple cider and dairy products.
Gloves are not a good substitute for hand washing, you want to remember to wash with soap and water adds Chiodo.
Some of the signs are: abdominal cramping, headache, nausea, vomiting or a low grade fever that lasts about 30 days.
Ask your doctor if you experience these symptoms to test for the parasite.