Public health unit investigating Gladstone cryptosporidiosis outbreaks

Parents of kids swimming at pools and in daycare, are being warned of a tummy-turning parasite which despite its quirky nickname has its victims rushing for the dunny, not digital currency.

The Central Queensland Public Health Unit is investigating an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in the Gladstone region. Picture: istock

The Central Queensland Public Health Unit (PHU) is investigating an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis in the Gladstone region.

The illness, known as ‘crypto’, is an intestinal infection caused by the microscopic parasite cryptosporidium.

It occurs worldwide and is a common cause of acute diarrhoea, especially in young children.

Acting Director of Public Health Dr Margaret Young said several cases had been logged in recent weeks across the region.

She said the “agent is highly infectious” and was likely to be passed on within households, with the PHU investigating possible sources.

Gladstone Regional Council is also aware of the outbreak.

One concerned Gladstone parent posted the warning anonymously in an open discussion group on Facebook on Tuesday, stating their child had become sick after visiting the local pool.

The parent expressed their disappointment at the Gladstone Aquatic Centre, which had not previously warned customers of the outbreak.

Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis include watery diarrhoea and stomach cramps.

Some people may also experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite while others may have no symptoms at all.

The first signs of the illness usually appear between one and 12 days after someone becomes infected.

Typically outbreaks of crypto in the community have been attributed to contaminated water supplies, recreational water supplies (swimming pools) and child/day care centres.

This is because the virus can be spread from person to person and is highly infectious, easily transmitted in settings such settings.

It can also be spread by infected animals and through contaminated food.

How to prevent it

• Hand hygiene
• Washing fruit and vegetables before eating
• Not eating or drinking unpasteurised milk products
• Not drinking untreated water and inadequately filtered water (boil untreated water or unknown quality for at least one minute)
• Avoiding swallowing water from swimming pools and other recreational waters.

People who have had cryptosporidium can protect others by doing the following:

• Not preparing food for others until at least 48 hours after diarrhoea has ceased
• Staying away from childcares and not providing personal care to others until at least 24 hours after diarrhoea has ceased
• Staying away from swimming pools until 14 days after symptoms have ceased.