Cryptosporidiosis; The New Enemy
This Dangerous Parasite is Becoming a Common Threat in US.
Water parks: Do you know what may be living in the water? Cryptosporidiosis, a chlorine-resistant parasite, is spreading throughout US water supplies at an alarming rate.
Taking the plunge.
Who would guess that taking a dip in a chlorinated pool or slipping into a relaxing hot tub could cause a potentially life threatening illness? When your children slide joyfully down the slides at a water-park your greatest fear is probably whether their life-jackets are properly adjusted. But all over the world, especially in the United States, there is a greater danger lurking in the water; not just at recreational water-parks, but in every water supply - including your drinking water.
This microscopic parasite goes by the insidious name of 'cryptosporidiosis', nick-named 'crypto'. It originates in the intestines of both infected humans and animals. This one-celled predator is carried out of the body in the feces, and can be spread quickly and unknowingly to other hosts. It is chlorine resistant, which allows it to reside in pools and hot tubs, and is not affected by salt, so it can actually be contracted while swimming in the ocean.
The symptoms:
Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease. It causes diarrhea, watery stools, cramps, upset stomach and fever. The degree to which this illness affects you depends on the state of your immune system. People with compromised immune systems, such as AIDS or cancer, or those on immunosuppressant drugs are more likely to become seriously ill. Small children are at a greater risk, also. It lasts approximately two weeks, although it is common to feel better for a few days, and then become ill again.
Since it is a diarrheal disease, dehydration is often a great danger. When diagnosed with crypto, it is necessary to take in plenty of fluids. In the past, there were no treatments for this illness, but recently the FDA approved a new drug called nitazoxanide to treat the diarrhea, although it is not prescribed for those taking immunosuppressant drugs for lack of data about possible effects. There are new drugs being tested, but at this time, excepting nitazoxanide, the only known way to treat crypto is to rest and keep your fluid intake up.
Precautions that may be taken:
Since it is passed through contact with feces, it is important to wash your hands with soapy water if you have come in contact with farm animals (especially those under six months) or animal waste from a pet. It may be contained in the soil, so when gardening you should wear gloves and wash your hands after you take them off. Food that is grown in soil that contains crypto may be contaminated, so be sure to wash your fruits and vegetables carefully. When swimming, whether it be in a swimming pool, lake or the ocean, be careful not to swallow the water, and wash thoroughly when you have finished.
Carefully wash your hands with soap after changing diapers and cleaning up after animals; for those working in a nursing capacity, be sure to follow proper disinfecting procedures when changing bed linens or bed pans.
Cryptosporidiosis is a parasite with a hard shell surrounding it, called an oocyte, allowing it to live for days in the water or in areas that have been exposed to contamination with fecal matter. Once ingested, the parasite exits the shell and begins reproducing. One bowel movement can contain millions of parasites, yet it takes only a few to cause severe illness. If you suspect you might have been infected, see your doctor, and ask for lab tests to be done. It is difficult to detect this nasty, little microbe, so you may be asked to bring in several samples over a week's time. Have the doctor ask specifically for this test to be done, because it is not something that is looked for in a routine lab test.
Prevalence of cryptospiridiosis parasites:
Between sixty-five and ninety-seven percent of surface waters tested contain the parasite. It is spreading at an alarming rate, either in isolated cases or major outbreaks. In 1993, there were four-hundred thousand cases of crypto in Milwaukee, WI. Many people may not realize that they harbor this parasite, either because they have light symptoms, or no symptoms at all. It is important to remember that once you have become infected the parasite will not leave your system, so the possibility of a recurrence is always there if your immune system becomes weakend.
There is no need for people to panic, as this is not a sudden onslaught; those affected by the disease have slowly been increasing in number for years. If you take proper precautions you can greatly decrease the chance that you will be infected. One final note: since crypto has been found in drinking water, it would be wise to put a water filter on your faucet. It must be reverse osmosis or have the words 'absolute 1 micron' on the filter in order to ensure the safety of your drinking water.
You need not curtail your recreational water activities, or seed over your garden with grass. As long as you are aware of the possibility of infection and take reasonable precautions, you can go on with your life as before. Remember: a little soap and water will go a long way towards preventing a multitude of illnesses.
