By Elana Gordon
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Area health departments are reminding people about ways to avoid cryptosporidium, a contagious intestinal parasite, this Labor Day weekend. Crypto is spread by contact with the stool of an infected person and can live for days in treated pool water.
The parasite has been identified throughout the metro, but it has most notably surfaced in Johnson County, where officials have documented more than 80 cases, and say nearly two dozen swimming pools appear to be associated with infections.
Jeff Hershberger, with the Kansas City Missouri Health Department, says recognizing symptoms - which can include stomach cramping, fever, and diarrhea that lasts for several days - is key to preventing Crypto's spread.
"If you've had those symptoms, or someone in your household has had those even within the last two weeks, then it's really ideal to stay out of any pool water or recreational water because you could contaminate the water without knowing it," says Hershberger.
Hershberger also says kids with symptoms should be removed from day care.
In a regional news release issued earlier today, Independence Health Department Director Larry Jones said most people with a healthy immune system recover without any medical treatment.
"Some people with weakened immune systems may be prescribed a treatment for the infection," says Jones. "However, the treatment is not effective for everyone, so it is better to prevent the initial infection."
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