Crypto

      Canton City Health Department
                            James M. Adams, R.S., M.P.H., Health Commissioner

                          Promoting and Protecting Health Since 1849

420 Market Ave. North
Canton, Ohio 44702
(330) 489-3231
(330) 489-3335 (fax)
Info@cantonhealth.org

Click here to install
Adobe Acrobat Reader

Click here to access GroupWise

Cryptosporidium

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Cryptosporidiosis (krip-toe-spo-rid-e-o-sis) is a diarrheal disease caused by a microscopic parasite called Cryptosporidium parvum.

The parasite may be found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals. If you swallow anything contaminated with the parasite you may become ill in 2 to 10 days.

Symptoms include diarrhea, loose or watery stool, stomach cramps, upset stomach, and a slight fever. Some people have no symptoms.

The symptoms usually last about 2 weeks. However in immunocompromised individuals symptoms can last much longer.

There is currently no treatment for the cryptosporidium parasite, but specific symptoms may be treatable. Due to its affect on immunocompromised individuals’, medical treatment should be sought immediately.

If you have any concerns regarding this or any possible illness please contact your physician.

For more information about Cryptosporidium, visit the following sites:

Center for Disease Control Cryptosporidium Information

Ohio Department of Health Cryptosporidium Disease Fact Sheet

Local Media Releases pertaining to Cryptosporidium:

Cider sold in Stark may be tied to illness
By JAN H. KENNEDY, Repository Staff Writer