United States: The health dept. of Northern Kentucky issued public health alert after the reports of an outbreak of Cryptosporidium came to light. It is commonly referred to as Crypto, which is a fecal-based parasitic disease that affects the intestine.
More about the news
The advisory said that at least some of the cases were identified in relation to one local public pool.
The Health Department official was able to verify that the pool was indeed the Silverlake Water Park in Erlanger. More than a dozen cases were confirmed, and many other cases showed signs that were similar to those of infected patients.
Still, at least another pool in the region – Bluegrass Swim Club in Fort Wright – has reported that one of their visitors had symptoms.
What does the advisory state?
As per the advisory, “Crypto is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the Cryptosporidium parasite and causing symptoms such as watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, low-grade fever, vomiting, and nausea,” as linknky.com reported.
Moreover, it added, “These conditions can lead to dehydration and similar concerns. However, an individual’s symptoms can vary, and some may not show any symptoms. Young children and people immunologically suppressed are at increased risk for more severe illness. The incubation period for Crypto is from 2 to 10 days, with most developing symptoms in 7 days from the time of exposure.”
“In otherwise healthy individuals, symptoms usually subside within a couple of weeks with supportive care to treat the symptoms and avoid dehydration. Crypto can be shed (transmitted) for two weeks or more after symptoms subside,” it continued.
About the symptoms of the disease
All the symptoms of the disease stem from the release of the parasite by the infected animals as well as the human carriers through feces.
People become infected with enterics through ingestion of contaminated water, soil, or food. This is particularly because the parasite is known to be quite immune to chlorine compounds, which are regularly used in public swimming pools, as well as hand sanitizers and rubbing alcohol.
Things to be followed to avoid infection – Experts
People with positive test results for the infection should not swim in public pools and related establishments for 14 days after the symptoms disappear because there is a chance for the parasite to be passed on to others, as linknky.com reported.
The children who should avoid swimming in public places are those who have not been trained on how to use the toilet.
The health department opined that the take-off of the outbreak could have originated in June. As the reports suggested, the total tally of new cases is likely to increase.
According to a statement by Silverlake health authorities, “Health and safety is our top priority at Silverlake, and we are taking all the possible steps to ensure the pool is safe for our members, staff, and guests.”
Furthering the notification of the outbreak, Silverlake also said they “immediately took action to close and clean our pool. Members were notified via social media that the pool would be closing for sanitation.”