The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) is advising the public to take precautions due to an increase in Cryptosporidium (Crypto) in Coconino County.
Cryptosporidiosis, a diarrheal illness caused by a parasite Cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium can be caused by germs spread by swallowing or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, hot tubs/spas, water playgrounds, lakes, rivers or oceans. An uninfected person can contract Cryptosporidiosis when they come in contact with water that has been contaminated by an infected person who had diarrhea.
This summer, there are currently 12 cases of cryptosporidiosis in Coconino County under investigation by the CCPHSD (5 cases confirmed by a laboratory test, 2 probable cases not tested, and 5 cases pending results). There was only one confirmed case at this same time last year.
Some people with cryptosporidiosis show no symptoms. The most common symptom is watery diarrhea usually beginning 2-10 days from infection. Most people who have healthy immune systems will recover without treatment. People in poor health or who have weakened immune systems are at higher risk for more severe and prolonged illness. Young children and pregnant women may be more susceptible to dehydration resulting from diarrhea and should drink plenty of fluids while ill.
Rapid loss of fluids from diarrhea may be especially life threatening to babies. Therefore, parents should talk to their healthcare providers about fluid replacement therapy options for infants.
To help protect people from germs and injuries, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends following easy and effective steps each time someone gets in the water.
Keep contaminates out of the water:
• Stay out of the water if you have diarrhea.
• Stay out of the water if you have an open wound (for example, from surgery or a piercing) that is not covered with a waterproof bandage.
• Shower before you get in the water. Rinsing off in the shower for just 1 minute removes most of the dirt or anything else on your body.
Once you are in the water:
• Don’t go to the bathroom in the water.
• Don’t swallow the water.
• Keep an eye on children at all times, kids can drown in seconds and in silence.
Every hour—everyone out!
• Take kids on bathroom breaks.
• Check diapers, and change them in a bathroom or diaper-changing area–not poolside–to keep germs away from the pool.
• Reapply sunscreen.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Dry ears thoroughly with a towel after swimming.
Remember: Think Healthy. Swim Healthy. Be Healthy! Visit http://www.cdc.gov/features/healthyswimming/ for more information.