Cryptosporidosis
This page provides information about Cryptosporidosis - a type of gastroenteritis.
What is Cryptosporidiosis?
Cryptosporidiosis is a type of gastroenteritis caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium which lives in the bowel. Anyone can be infected.
Symptoms?
It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks after eating food containing cryptosporidia for symptoms to develop which include:-
- Diarrhoea
- Bloating
- Stomach cramps
- Abdominal pain
To trace the cause of the illness, it is necessary to know where you were and what you ate and drank in the two weeks before you became ill. Illness may last several weeks.
Where are cryptosporidia found?
Cryptosporidia are found in humans and in wild animals, pet and farm animals. Untreated water such as rivers and streams can also harbour cryoptospondia. Sandpits can become contaminated by animals so cover the sandpit when not in use.
How is Cryptosporidiosis spread?
Cryptosporidiosis occurs when cryptosporidia parasites are taken in by mouth often by person-to-person spread.
If patients do not wash their hands properly after going to the toilet, contaminated hands can spread the parasites to surfaces and objects which will be touched by other people.
Contaminated hands can also spread the parasites to food which may be eaten by other people.
Hands can also become contaminated when a person changes the nappy of an infant with cryptosporidiosis. Personal hygiene and thorough handwashing is therefore vital even for people recovering from the symptoms.
What should I do?
If you have symptoms of cryptosporidiosis, report this to your doctor immediately. This will ensure that you receive proper treatment and advice and that steps are taken to reduce the spread of the disease.
How can I stop it spreading to other people?
In your household, the risk of spreading cryptosporidiosis can be reduced by careful personal hygiene such as handwashing. Patients should not prepare or handle food which will be eaten by other people until they are free of symptoms for 48 hours.
They should also use a separate towel or flannel while symptoms persist and avoid going swimming in public baths until the symptoms have passed.
What about personal hygiene?
Careful Hand Washing:
Everyone should wash their hands thoroughly with anti- bacterial soap and warm running water for at least ten seconds:
- Before preparing food;
- Before eating;
- After going to the toilet or changing nappies;
- After working in the garden;
- After playing with pets.
Careful cleaning of WC contact surfaces:
Bathrooms and toilets must be cleaned regularly to avoid the spread of infections. Pay particular attention to toilet seats and handles, taps and nappy change tables.
Safe food storage and handling
1 Thoroughly cook all raw foods.
2. Thoroughly wash raw vegetables before eating.
3. Reheat food until the internal temperature of the food reaches at least 63°C ideally 75°C.
Remember that part of the microwave cooking process involves standing time. If a microwave oven is used, read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and observe these standing times to ensure that the food is completely cooked before it is eaten.
Can I Still Work?
All people with symptoms should not work or attend school/nursery/childminder until symptoms have stopped.
People who work in food businesses, hospitals or nursery schools SHOULD NOT return to work until 48 hours after all symptoms have ceased. The manager of the food business should be notified of any illness you or any family member, who is ill, may have.
Please remember that you may still carry the organism for a number of weeks after the symptoms clear and scrupulous personal hygiene must be observed during this time. An anti-bacterial soap will help with thorough cleaning.
Note: There may be types of food poisoning which will require you to remain off work until clearance is given by your Environmental Health Officer. You will be advised if this is the case.
For further information, contact the Council or in case of continuing illness, consult your family doctor.
Contact
Email: food.safety@reigate-banstead.gov.uk
Tel: 01737 276417.
Last updated : 14/05/2009
