{"id":3258,"date":"2022-10-07T16:42:42","date_gmt":"2022-10-07T16:42:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.brandon.ddtest.info\/gochemless\/?page_id=3258"},"modified":"2022-10-07T16:53:16","modified_gmt":"2022-10-07T16:53:16","slug":"cryptosporidium","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.brandon.ddtest.info\/gochemless\/cryptosporidium\/","title":{"rendered":"Cryptosporidium"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Cryptosporidium\u00a0<\/em>is a microscopic parasite that is found in the feces of infected humans or animals. Humans are infected when they ingest contaminated water or food, or touch contaminated objects, then touch their mouth before washing their hands well. Cryptosporidiosis, the disease caused by\u00a0Cryptosporidium<\/em>, is one of the most common causes of diarrhea among persons with AIDS in the U.S.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Q. What are the symptoms?<\/strong><\/div>\n
A.<\/strong>\u00a0Symptoms of\u00a0Cryptosporidium\u00a0<\/em>infection in persons with normal immune systems include diarrhea that lasts 1 to 2 weeks, often accompanied by abdominal cramps, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and low-grade fever. People usually develop symptoms 2 to 10 days after ingesting the parasite. In persons with weakened immune systems, cryptosporidiosis can be chronic and life-threatening.<\/div>\n
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Q. Who is at risk for severe cryptosporidiosis?<\/strong><\/div>\n
A.<\/strong>\u00a0People at risk for severe cryptosporidiosis include people with AIDS, people who have cancer, or organ or bone marrow transplant patients who are taking drugs that suppress the immune system, and people who are born with genetically weakened immune systems.<\/div>\n
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Q. Why is\u00a0Cryptosporidium\u00a0<\/em>a problem in drinking water?<\/strong><\/div>\n
A.<\/strong>\u00a0Cryptosporidium\u00a0<\/em>is a problem because most water from lakes, rivers, and streams, contains some of the microscopic parasite. Most communities get their drinking water from these \u201csurface\u201d sources, rather than from underground sources such as wells.Cryptosporidium\u00a0<\/em>is highly resistant to chlorine and other disinfectants, which are used to kill bacteria and viruses in drinking water. In addition,\u00a0Cryptosporidium\u00a0<\/em>is so small that it is not easily removed from water by the type of filters used in conventional municipal water treatment. Over half of the tested public water supplies that use surface water have been found to have small amounts ofCryptosporidium\u00a0<\/em>in the water sent to homes and businesses.<\/div>\n
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Q. How can I tell if there is\u00a0Cryptosporidium\u00a0<\/em>in my drinking water?<\/strong><\/div>\n
A.<\/strong>\u00a0You cannot tell without expensive, special tests. These tests are not very good for home use, and are not always reliable.<\/div>\n
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Q. Is there a cure for\u00a0Cryptosporidium\u00a0<\/em>infection?<\/strong><\/div>\n
A.<\/strong>\u00a0No. Some drugs, such as paromomycin, may reduce the symptoms of cryptosporidiosis, but no drug now known can cure it. Diarrhea can cause dehydration. Persons with diarrhea should contact their health care provider who may recommend an oral rehydration therapy mix.<\/div>\n
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Q. Should I take extra protective measures?<\/strong><\/div>\n
A.<\/strong>\u00a0It depends on your health and your drinking water. If you have AIDS, if you have cancer or if you have had an organ or bone marrow transplant or are taking drugs that weaken your immune system, or if you were born with a genetically weakened immune system, you may want to take extra measures. You should talk to your health care provider regarding the level of your risk and on how to reduce it. If you have a healthy immune system, you are at less risk for cryptosporidiosis, but you may want to consider the quality of your drinking water. For more information, refer to the publication\u00a0Cryptosporidium: What you need to know to protect yourself<\/a>.<\/div>\n
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Q. What can immunosuppressed persons do to avoid infection with\u00a0Cryptosporidium<\/em>?<\/strong><\/div>\n
A.<\/strong>\u00a0 Follow these recommendations:<\/div>\n