The Northern Territory Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a warning about gastro caused by the parasite, Cryptosporidium parvum.

Cryptosporidiosis (commonly called “crypto”) can be spread by consuming food or water that has been contaminated with faeces from infected people or animals.

People with crypto who have diarrhoea or who have soiled bathers can spread the parasite when swimming or sitting in pools including home pools, paddle pools and public swimming pools.

The crypto bug is relatively resistant to chlorine and only very small amounts of faeces are enough to contaminate a pool and potentially make others sick.

Currently increased numbers of crypto cases are being reported, possibly due to the continuing hot and humid weather in the NT.  Over 200 cases have so far been reported this year with the usual number of cases being around 80.

Common symptoms are watery diarrhoea and stomach cramps. Symptoms may last for a few days, but can sometimes continue for a few weeks. Most cases are in young children and the most severe infections occur in people who may have weakened immune systems (e.g. people receiving chemotherapy treatment, steroids or those with HIV/AIDS).

Infants who attend childcare and those who have contact with large numbers of children are at greater risk of infection.  The bug can be spread when children put toys, objects or foods that have been contaminated into their mouth. 

People with diarrhoea should not swim in pools shared by other people until at least 24 hours after their diarrhoea has stopped and those who have been to a doctor and been specifically diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis should not swim in public or shared swimming pools, including backyard paddle pools, for at least 2 weeks after their symptoms have stopped.

If any pool, spa or paddle pool is accidently contaminated by faeces make sure everyone immediately leaves the pool and then remove the faeces (using gloves, a fine net or vacuum system). Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Further information on how to decontaminate a public pool is available on the Environmental Health factsheet on Cryptosporidium in swimming pools available at: http://health.nt.gov.au/Environmental_Health/Water_Quality/index.aspx#RecreationalWater. For private and individual pools, it is recommended to contact a swimming pool specialist for expert advice.

Children with diarrhoea should not attend childcare or school until 24 hours has passed since a loose bowel action. People with diarrhoea should not prepare or handle food that will be eaten by others. Always wash your hands after you go to the toilet and before preparing and eating food.

For more information, please visit www.health.nt.gov.au and search for ‘crypto’.

Media Contact: Lorraine Hook 0427 596 954