What is cryptosporidiosis?

Cryptosporidiosis (often called ‘crypto’) is a disease caused by a parasite that infects your intestine. This parasite can infect both humans and animals.

People most at risk from cryptosporidiosis are those with weakened immune systems. This may be from:

• HIV infection
• blood cancers
• corticosteroid therapy

What are the symptoms of cryptosporidiosis?

Cryptosporidiosis causes the following symptoms:

• watery diarrhoea
• tummy cramping and abdominal pain
• loss of appetite
• fever
• nausea and vomiting

The symptoms can last for up to 2 weeks. Some people may get better and then get symptoms again.

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What causes cryptosporidiosis?

Cryptosporidiosis is caused by the Cryptosporidium parasite. Cryptosporidium is found in the faeces (poo) of infected humans and animals. You can catch cryptosporidiosis if something contaminated with the parasite gets into your mouth.

The parasite can survive in swimming pools with normal levels of chlorine. Outbreaks can happen from contaminated public pools.

Am I at risk of catching cryptosporidiosis?

People more likely to get cryptosporidiosis are those who:

• have had close contact with someone with cryptosporidiosis
• attend or work in childcare
• swallow small amounts of water when swimming
• drink untreated water from rivers or lakes
• travel to developing countries
• work with animals
• are male and have sex with males

When should I see a doctor?

See your doctor if you have symptoms of cryptosporidiosis and:

• have signs of dehydration — such as thirst, less urine (wee) and a dry mouth
• have a fever or bad abdominal pain
• see blood in your diarrhoea
• are not getting better
• have a weakened immune system

Take children under 12 months of age with symptoms of cryptosporidiosis to a doctor.

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How is cryptosporidiosis diagnosed?

Cryptosporidiosis is diagnosed from a stool test.

Cryptosporidiosis is a notifiable disease. This means that if you have cryptosporidiosis, your doctor must tell the local public health authority. They may ask to talk with you to try and find out where you caught the infection.

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How is cryptosporidiosis treated?

Cryptosporidiosis usually gets better by itself. The illness usually lasts about 1 to 2 weeks, but can last up to 4 weeks.

If you have a weakened immune system, your symptoms could be severe and continue for months.

Self-care at home

It’s important to drink lots of fluids so you don’t get dehydrated. Drink water or oral rehydration solution.

Breastfed babies should continue to be breastfed.

Medicines for cryptosporidiosis

Most people don’t need medicine to get better from cryptosporidiosis.

If you have a weakened immune system your doctor may prescribe medicine, depending on your situation.

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How can I avoid infecting other people?

If you have cryptosporidiosis, follow these tips:

• If you work in health care or the food industry, don’t return to work until at least 48 hours after your last episode of diarrhoea.
• Don’t share, touch or prepare food for other people until your diarrhoea has stopped for at least 48 hours.
• Don’t go swimming until you have had no diarrhoea for at least 2 weeks.
• Don’t share sheets or towels until you have had no diarrhoea for at least 2 weeks.

Should I keep my child home from school?

Children with diarrhoea should be kept home. They should not attend preschool, playgroup, early childhood or day care. Keep them at home until 24 hours after their diarrhoea has stopped.

What are the complications of cryptosporidiosis?

Young children and people with a weakened immune system can become severely dehydrated with cryptosporidiosis.

About 1 in 10 people who recover from cryptosporidiosis have irritable bowel syndrome 12 months after infection.

Can cryptosporidiosis be prevented?

There are measures you can take to prevent getting cryptosporidiosis.

Good hygiene

Wash your hands carefully with soap and water after:

• going to the toilet
• touching animals
• caring for pets
• gardening
• changing nappies

You should also wash your baby’s hands after nappy changes.

Wash your hands before you eat or prepare food. Never eat or drink unpasteurised dairy products.

Be extra careful if you have a weakened immune system. Wear disposable gloves if you need to touch something that could be contaminated.

Swimming

Try not to swallow water when you go swimming.

Don’t swim in natural waters for at least 3 days after heavy rain. Don’t swim at the beach for at least one day after heavy rain.

Travelling

If you are travelling in a developing country, don’t drink tap water or drinks with ice. Drink bottled or boiled water.

Only eat fruit and vegetables that you can peel and foods that are well cooked. It’s best not to eat street food.

Resources and support

You can find out more about cryptosporidiosis in languages other than English on the Health Translations website.

If you are concerned about cryptosporidiosis, call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.