Increasing cases of Cryptosporidiosis across New South Wales

There has recently been an increase in cases of cryptosporidiosis across the state.

Cryptosporidiosis occurs after a person swallows the parasite Cryptosporidium.

The most common symptoms of cryptosporidiosis are watery diarrhoea and stomach cramps. Symptoms may come and go and may last days to weeks. People with a weak immune system may have more severe symptoms that can last for months.

This parasite is very small and hardy, and can survive in chlorinated pool water for many days. Swimming pools can be contaminated by patrons who have been infected, even up to two weeks after they have recovered from diarrhoea. Pool users can be infected after swallowing even small amounts of pool water.

The NSW Health ‘Guide to Clean Pools for Healthy Swimming’ posters and brochures for Cryptosporidium prevention are available on the website at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/publicpools/Pages/default.aspx.