Definition

Cryptosporidiosis is an intestinal infection. It goes away on its own in most people. But, it can be life-threatening for young children, the elderly, and people who are sick.

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Causes

A certain parasite causes cryptosporidiosis. It enters the body by when you swallow it. Once in the intestine, it comes out of its shell and multiplies. You can get it from contaminated water, soil, or stool. It can pass to you from:

• Water from lakes, streams, hot tubs, swimming pools, or water parks
• Ice cubes
• A baby's dirty diapers
• Touching animals, cleaning cages, or going to barns or petting zoos
• Eating food grown in soil
• Eating or drinking unpasteurized dairy products
• Oral to anal contact during sex

Risk Factors

Risk is higher for:

• Young children, especially those in day care
• Day care workers or those who work in a group setting
• Backpackers, hikers, and campers who recreate in contaminated water sources
• People whose immune system is weakened by cancer, HIV, or an organ transplant
• People who have oral to anal contact during sex

Symptoms

Most people don’t have symptoms. If they do appear, they may cause:

• Watery diarrhea
• Belly cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Slight fever
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Dehydration

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You may have a physical exam and stool tests.

Treatment

Most people will not need care because the infection will go away on its own. The infection is also more likely to be more severe and last longer if your immune system is weak.

If needed, care may involve:

• IV fluids
• Medicine to control diarrhea

Prevention

To lower your chances of cryptosporidiosis:

Wash your hands often, mainly:

• After using the toilet.
• After changing a diaper.
• Before handling or eating food.
• After being with animals or in soil.
• After being with people who are sick.

In general:

• Use water you know is safe. If you have any doubts, don’t use it.
• Try not to swallow while recreating in water.
• Wash fruits and vegetables in safe water.
• Don’t eat or drink unpasteurized dairy products.
• Use barriers when you have oral sex.