Diarrhea Illness, Crypto, Spread in Swimming Pools, Jumps in the State

The Iowa Department of Public Health announced Thursday, that the number of Crypto cases, marked by watery diarrhea, has surpassed the number of cases reported in 2012.

About 270 of the 360 reported diarrhea illness cases, caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium, have been documented since June 1, according to the release. About 140 more cases are under investigation.

There have been three cases in Black Hawk County. The vast majority of cases, 106, have been in Polk County.

The illness results in watery diarrhea that can be accompanied by vomiting, stomach cramps and a low fever. People contract the illness through drinking contaminated water or contact with people or animals who have the illness and are shedding the parasite. The bug is most commonly passed through water and recreational bodies of water including public pools, because the parasite is resistant to chlorine.

Follow these tips from the Iowa Department of Public Health to prevent spread of the disease:

• Protect others by not swimming if you are experiencing diarrhea (this is essential for children in diapers). If diagnosed with Crypto, do not swim for at least two weeks after diarrhea stops.

• Do not swallow water in your mouth.

It is also important to:

• Wash hands before preparing or eating food; after using the toilet; after changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet; and before and after caring for someone who is ill with diarrhea.

• To reduce the risk of disease transmission, children with diarrhea should be excluded from child care settings until the diarrhea has stopped.

For more information on Crypto, visit the Iowa Department of Public Health.