Iowa health officials warn of 'crypto' outbreak
1:25 PM
Posted: Saturday, August 30, 2008
DES MOINES, Iowa - Prompted by an ongoing outbreak of a waterborne disease in southeast Iowa, state health officials are warning Iowans.
The Iowa Department of Public Health won't say which counties were affected by cryptosporidiosis, known as "crypto." But, they say 30 cases of the disease have been reported in up to eight southeastern Iowa counties since August.
Symptoms of the disease include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, and can occur two to 12 days after exposure.
Officials say the disease is caused by a parasite, which people swallow from contaminated water, often in swimming pools or following improper hand washing after changing diapers. They warn the disease can spread easily between household members.
Officials say more than 100 cases of crypto have been reported to state health officials this year. That was down significantly from 611 confirmed cases in 2007.
The Iowa Department of Public Health won't say which counties were affected by cryptosporidiosis, known as "crypto." But, they say 30 cases of the disease have been reported in up to eight southeastern Iowa counties since August.
Symptoms of the disease include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, and can occur two to 12 days after exposure.
Officials say the disease is caused by a parasite, which people swallow from contaminated water, often in swimming pools or following improper hand washing after changing diapers. They warn the disease can spread easily between household members.
Officials say more than 100 cases of crypto have been reported to state health officials this year. That was down significantly from 611 confirmed cases in 2007.
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