Outbreak! 'Crypto' Parasites Infest Ohio Pools

An alarming "crypto" outbreak was declared by the health officials last Aug. 11 in Ohio, due to more than 100 cases reported linked to the illness.

'Crypto' or cryptosporidiosis is an illness that is caused by a diarrhea -causing parasite called Cryptosporidium. The said parasite can survive in chlorine-treated pools for more than 10 days, Live Science reports.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the "crypto" parasite is covered by an outer shell that protects it from chlorinated-water. It can also cause stomach cramps, vomit and fever.

The main symptom of the illness is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms also include dehydration, weight loss,and nausea, which may last up to two weeks but may reoccur even after the patient reports improvement. People will catch the illness if they accidentally drink or swallow water contaminated by the parasite.

According to Columbus public health officials, there are 107 cases of cryptosporidiosis that have been reported this year alone in Columbus, Franklin County and Delaware County. This number is higher than the number of cases reported in the area for the last three years combined, Northern California News notes.

Columbus officials already cautioned the public not to swim if they have diarrhea for up to two weeks after recovery. Other preventive measures are taking a shower and before going to pools, having children go to frequent bathroom breaks, changing baby diapers on the bathroom instead of pools and not eating in the pool premises.

While there is no particular swimming site or sites that have been identified with "crypto" parasite contamination, most of the patients that were diagnosed with the illness had visited different swimming recreational sites several times in the three counties.