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Dave Fotsch
Public Information Officer
Central District Health Department
208-327-8639
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September 11, 2007
Crypto Cases Continue To Rise
Child Care Providers Advised to Take Precautions
The Central District Health Department has investigated over 100 confirmed cases of Cryptosporiodosis (crypto) since the beginning of August. The outbreak is primarily linked to Ada County recreational water features, but now that many of those facilities have closed for the season, health officials are concerned the outbreak may spread through child care facilities. About six cases have been linked to children enrolled in child care facilities. Because crypto can be easily spread in child care settings, the health district is advising child care providers, and the parents of children in those facilities, that children exhibiting crypto symptoms be excluded from child care facilities until 24 hours after their diarrhea subsides. If child care workers are showing signs of crypto, they should also be excluded from working until 24 hours after their diarrhea subsides. In addition, child care employees need to be especially vigilant about hand washing.
Crypto is a diarrheal disease caused by a tiny parasite. It is usually spread by accidentally swallowing water that has been contaminated with human stool or animal waste. The most frequent symptoms include watery diarrhea with abdominal cramping, which can be accompanied by dehydration, weight loss, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Those individuals experiencing persistent, watery diarrhea are urged to consult their healthcare provider. Effective medical treatment is available.
Once a person is infected, the parasites live in the intestines and are passed in the stool. Infected persons can continue to spread the disease for several weeks after diarrhea subsides, so it is vitally important that child care workers wash their hands well after using the toilet, after diapering children, after handling animals, and before preparing or serving food. They must also ensure that the children in their care wash their hands well after using the toilet, after their diapers have been changed, after handling animals, and before eating.
Since crypto is spread primarily by exposure to contaminated recreational waters, the general public can help to stop the spread of this highly contagious disease:
- Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating.
- Don't swim if you have diarrhea. This is especially important for kids in diapers.
- Don't swallow the pool water. Avoid getting pool water in your mouth.
- Practice good hygiene. Take a shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
- Take your kids to the bathroom on a regular basis.
- Change diapers in a bathroom, not at poolside.
- Wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming.
- Individuals experiencing persistent, watery diarrhea should consult their health care provider. Effective medical treatment is available.
Communicable Disease - 'Disease du jour'
