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Cryptosporidiosis –
Essential Information
What is “Cryptosporidiosis”?
Cryptosporidiosis is an infectious disease of the small intestine
caused by ingesting cysts of a microscopic parasite called
Cryptosporidium. Infection is more prevalent in babies and young
children, but is comparatively rare in adults over the age of 45.
Cases of Cryptosporidiosis are most common in the spring and
autumn months but can occur at other times of the year.
Where are Cryptosporidia found?
Cryptosporidia are commonly found in the gastrointestinal tracts
of farm animals, especially lambs and calves, and occasionally in
domestic pets and birds. Household tap water that has been
contaminated with Cryptosporidium cysts at source is also a
common source of infection, and has been linked to many
sporadic cases and community outbreaks. Person-to-person
transmission by hand-to-mouth transfer is another possible
source of infection, particularly amongst children attending
playgroups and nurseries who so not wash their hands after using
the toilet. Cases have also been recorded, particularly in
children, following visits to zoos and ‘educational’ working farms.
The illness and Symptoms
After being ingested Cryptosporidium cysts attach themselves to
the lining of the small intestine. Illness develops following an
incubation period of between 2 to 26 days, but usually 2 to 10
days. Because of this imprecise and variable incubation period if
is often impossible to identify an exact source of infection. Initial
symptoms of the illness include abdominal pain, fever and
vomiting; this is followed shortly afterwards by profuse, offensive
and watery diarrhea resulting in dehydration through rapid water
loss. There may be significant weight loss and weakness in some
individuals. Symptoms can last for approximately 1 to 3 weeks.
Treatment
Apart from administering rehydration solutions to replace water
loss, there is no known effective specific treatment for the illness.
In most healthy individuals the illness is “self-limiting”, in other
words it resolves itself and has no lasting significance. However,
immunocompromised individuals may experience more severe
and persistent symptoms and they should seek further advice
from their GP.
Control and prevention of further cases
In order to prevent further cases occurring in the household and
wider community sufferers of the illness should adhere to the
following guidelines:
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Maintain a strict regime of personal hygiene. Hands should
be washed thoroughly with soap and warm water after using
the toilet, in particularly after coming into contact with animals,
after handling soiled clothing or bedding and especially before
handling food.
Keep toilet and bathroom areas clean and disinfected and do
not share bath water or towels with other members of the
household.
Stay off work if employed in the catering, nursing and caring
professions until at least 48 hours after the diarrhea and other
symptoms have ceased.
Supervise young children when using the toilet, ensure that
they wash their hands and keep them away from school,
nursery or playgroups until at least 48 hours after symptoms
have ceased.
If symptoms persist you should seek further advice from your
GP.
Young children should be supervised to ensure that they have
washed their hands after using the toilet.
All confirmed cases should remain off school, nursery or
playgroup for at least 48 hours after symptoms have ceased
or until advised otherwise by an Environmental Health Officer.
Likewise, those employed in the food industry should refrain
from work for at least 48 hours after cessation of symptoms.
You are advised to consult your GP if symptoms persist.