Four New Cases of Crypto Reported

Four new cases of cryptosporidium were reported by the North Shore Health Department today, bringing the total to 12 confirmed cases in the North Shore.

Ten cases have been reported in Whitefish Bay, one person is from Fox Point and one is from Bayside. The four most recent cases are believed to have been spread from person-to-person contact.

While the source of the Cryptosporidium outbreak has been difficult to detect, it is believed to be linked to pools in the North Shore area. The pools at Whitefish Bay High School pool and the Jewish Community Center each have had infected people swimming at their facilities, according to North Shore Health Department Health Officer Jamie Berg.

The Jewish Community Center, which was closed Thursday through Saturday afternoon for a chlorine "super shock" treatment, announced to its members Tuesday morning that the pool would be closed for another 10 days for precautionary treatments.

In addition to possible pool infections, Berg said interviews with some of the infected people revealed that they were in contact with friends or family members who had been experiencing diarrhea, a symptom of Cryptosporidium, dating back to late August. The symptoms related to these 12 additional "probable cases" subsided before they were diagnosed, Berg said.

Berg said health officials expect to see an increase in the number of Crypto cases as a result of person-to-person contact. Berg said the best way to prevent further person-to-person contraction of Crypto is through hand washing, and for infected people to avoid swimming in public pools.

"Since many of the cases have been spread person-to-person, it is extremely important to wash your hands, especially after using the restroom or changing a diaper," Berg said in a news release. "Anyone who has experienced any diarrhea should not swim for a minimum of 14 days after their last episode of diarrhea, to help prevent the spread of Crypto.

"Each time an infected person swims in a pool, the pool must be closed and treated. We are working closely with local pools to prevent the spread of the parasite.

Municipal water from the North Shore Water Commission and Treatment Plant remains safe to drink, according to the North Shore Health Department.

The health department strongly encourages people to be tested who have diarrhea. If you are sick with diarrhea and are concerned that you may have Crypto, call your doctor or local health department and stay home until symptoms subside.

For more information about Crypto, visit the CDC website.