Specific Disease Frequently Asked Questions | Cryptospordiosis
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What are the symptoms of Cryptosporidiosis?
Symptoms include diarrhea, loose or watery stool, stomach cramps, upset
stomach, and a slight fever. Some people have no symptoms. In persons
with average immune systems, symptoms usually last about 2 weeks. The
symptoms may go in cycles in which you seem to get better for a few days,
then feel worse, before the illness ends.
How long after infection do
symptoms appear?
Symptoms generally begin 2-10 days after being infected.
How is Cryptosporidiosis spread?
Millions of cryptosporidiosis can be released in a bowel movement from
an infected human or animal. You can become infected after accidentally
swallowing the parasite. Crypto may be found in soil, food, water, or
surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans
or animals. Cryptosporidiosis is not spread by contact with blood.
- By putting something in your mouth or accidentally swallowing something
that has come in contact with the stool of a person or animal infected
with Crypto
- By swallowing recreational water contaminated with Crypto
- By eating uncooked food contaminated with Crypto
- By accidentally swallowing Crypto from surfaces contaminated with
stools from an infected person
Can I spread Crypto to other
people?
Yes, Crypto can be very contagious.
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How do I avoid spreading Crypto
to other people?
- Wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet, changing
diapers, and before eating or preparing food.
- Avoid swimming in recreational water (pools, hot tubs, lakes or rivers,
the ocean, etc) if you have Crypto and for at least 2 weeks after the
diarrhea stops.
- Avoid fecal exposure during sex.
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Is there a treatment for Crypto?
There is no effective treatment. Most people with a healthy immune system
will recover on their own. If you have diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids
to prevent dehydration. Rapid loss of fluids because of diarrhea can be
life-threatening in babies; parents should consult their health care provider
about fluid replacement therapy options for babies. Antidiarrheal medicine
may help slow down diarrhea, but consult with your health care provider
before taking it.
People who are in poor health or who have a weakened immune
system are at higher risk for more severe and more prolonged illness.
For persons with AIDS, anti-retroviral therapy that improves immune status
will also decrease or eliminate symptoms of Crypto. However, Crypto is
usually not cured and may come back if the immune status worsens. See
your health care provider to discuss anti-retroviral therapy used to improve
immune status.
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