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Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program

Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis is an illness is most frequently associated with contaminated water. The disease is caused by parasites that can live in the intestines of animals and infected humans. The parasite may live for long periods of time in the environment due to a protective coating. It is resistant to many chlorine-based products increasing the risk of transmission in swimming pools. Preventive measures include good hand washing around animals and discouraging any individuals from swimming when they have diarrheal illnesses.

Cryptosporidiosis fact sheet (Microsoft Word*) or (Adobe PDF*) (*free viewer)

Cryptosporidiosis Summary

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