Undated (KELO AM) - The summer swimming season is right around the corner, and the Center for Disease Control is issuing a warning on the increase in Cryptosporidium. The rates of infections have doubled from 2014 and 2016.
Crypto is a parasite that is spread through infected water, primarily through fecal matter.
Richard Carlson, district parks supervisor in Sioux Falls, told KSFY Television that parents should not be too worried about the parasite. The city monitors the water quality of the pools throughout the day, and shut down the pools as needed. Pools can be closed to clean and disinfect the water to make it safe.
Some of the precautions you can take to prevent a crypto infection are basic: don’t ingest infected water, shower before and after using the pool, and stay out of the pool if you have had diarrhea in the last 24 hours.
You may not have symptoms for several days after infection. According to the CDC, symptoms include: watery diarrhea, stomach cramps or pain, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, fever and weight loss.
Crypto can be spread in places outside the pool, such as toys in a day care, not washing your hands after changing a diaper or going to the bathroom, or working in the garden.
