Cryptosporidiosis

Both people and animals may get crypto. The stool (feces) of infected people or animals has Cryptosporidium parasites in it.

You can get crypto by:

• touching something with stool on it and putting your hand in your mouth
• eating food or drinking water that has stool in it

You are more likely to get crypto if you:

• have contact with stool from an infected person through sexual contact or while caring for a person with crypto
• are a child in a day-care
• work at a day-care center
• have contact with infected animals

The most common symptoms are diarrhea, nausea, fever, stomach cramps, and vomiting. In healthy people, the illness usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks. In people with poor immune systems (those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or recent organ transplants), the infection may be severe and last longer.

Always wash your hands (and tell others to do the same):

• before fixing food
• before eating
• after using the toilet
• after changing diapers
• after changing clothes or bedding soiled with stool
• after caring for people with diarrhea
• after touching or petting animals
• after caring for people with diarrhea

Avoid sexual practices that put you in direct contact with stool

Do not drink from rivers, lakes, or swimming pools

For extra protection, boil water for one minute to kill the parasite if you:

• are infected with HIV
• have recently had an organ transplant
• are being treated for cancer
• are traveling in a country where you are not sure if the water is safe
• are infected with HIV
• are being treated for cancer

Allow the water to cool before you drink it.

Use this treated water to brush your teeth, to make ice, and to wash fruits and vegetables.

Children with confirmed cryptosporidiosis should be kept out of school or childcare until they are diarrhea and fever-free. Rules for exclusion of sick children from school and childcare are outlined in the Texas Administrative Code, specifically Rule 97.7 for schools and Rule 746.3603 for childcare.

Over the last ten years, 2011-2020, the average number of cases of cryptosporidiosis reported in Texas has been 597 cases per year (ranging from 302 to 1,244). Outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis are often associated with recreational water venues such as pools, water parks, and splash pads. From 2011 to 2020, there were 30 Crypto outbreaks. In 2019, there were 12 Crypto outbreaks resulting in 1,244 cases reported over the year.

There is no vaccine for cryptosporidiosis.

Cryptosporidiosis Investigation Form (PDF,  May 2017)

Report Cryptosporidiosis within one week. Initial report form.

Several Texas laws (Tex. Health & Safety Code, Chapters 81, 84 and 87) require specific information regarding notifiable conditions be provided to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Health care providers, hospitals, laboratories, schools, and others are required to report patients who are suspected of having a notifiable condition (25 Tex. Admin. Code §97.2 ).

About Cryptosporidiosis | Cryptosporidium ("Crypto")
Centers for Disease Control

Cryptosporidiosis (crypto) is a disease caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, a tiny parasite. Both people and animals may get crypto. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, nausea, fever, stomach cramps, and vomiting. In healthy people, the illness usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks. In people with poor immune systems (those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or recent organ transplants), the infection may be severe and last longer.

The stool (feces) of infected people or animals has Cryptosporidium parasites in it. You can get crypto by:

• touching something with stool on it and putting your hand in your mouth
• eating food or drinking water that has stool in it

You are more likely to get crypto if you:
have contact with stool from an infected person through sexual contact or while caring for a person with crypto 

• are a child in a day-care
• work at a day-care center
• have contact with infected animals

• Always wash your hands (and tell others to do the same)
  • before fixing food
  • before eating
  • after using the toilet
  • after changing diapers
  • after changing clothes or bedding soiled with stool
  • after caring for people with diarrhea
  • after touching or petting animals

• Avoid sexual practices that put you in direct contact with stool
• Do not drink from rivers, lakes, or swimming pools
• For extra protection, boil water for one minute to kill the parasite if you:
  • are infected with HIV
  • have recently had an organ transplant
  • are being treated for cancer
  • are traveling in a country where you are not sure if the water is safe
  • Allow the water to cool before you drink it
  • Use this treated water to brush your teeth, to make ice, and to wash fruits and vegetables

Drink plenty of fluids and get extra rest. See your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may want to have your stool tested for Cryptosporidium parasites. There is no drug to treat this disease but your doctor can provide medication to help you feel better.