Politics & Government
Diarrhea Illness, Crypto, Jumps in the State
A parasite that causes a diarrhea illness has infected hundreds of people in the state of Iowa.
The City of Ames super cleaned the Furman Aquatic Center last week in response to reported Crypto or Cryptosporidiosis cases, a diarrhea illness that has spread across the state.
The Iowa Department of Public Health announced Thursday, that the number of Crypto or Cryptosporidiosis cases, a disease 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.
Find out what's happening in Amesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
See: Parasite Closes Furman Aquatic Center
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.
Find out what's happening in Amesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The City of Ames super-chlorinated the water at Furman Aquatic Center Saturday as a precaution when learning that two people in the county had, had crypto. A total of five cases have been confirmed in Story County.
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.
Thoroughly wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
Shower yourself and your child before swimming.
Change diapers in a bathroom, not at the poolside.
Take your kids on bathroom breaks and check swim diapers often.
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 www.idph.state.ia.us/IDPHChannelsService/file.ashx?file=66C275B0-3645-435E-AE6E-BBC18EE585AF.
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