Important Health Notice: Cryptosporidiosis Cases Rising in Victoria, Australia.
Date: December 20, 2023
Status: Active
Key Info:
- More cases of cryptosporidiosis (crypto) in Victoria.
- Some got sick from public pools.
- Don’t swim if you have or had diarrhea in the last two weeks.
- Doctors, think about crypto if someone has tummy troubles after swimming.
What’s Cryptosporidiosis?
- It’s a sickness from a tiny bug called Cryptosporidium.
- Tell your doctor if you have it.
- It spreads through yucky water, uncooked food, and germy hands.
How to Tell if You Have it:
- Watery poop, tummy pain, sometimes fever.
- Usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks.
Getting Checked:
- Doctors check your poop under a microscope.
When You Can Spread it:
- As soon as you feel sick.
- Can last a few weeks after you feel better.
What to Do:
- No special medicine for most people.
- Stay hydrated and follow doctor’s advice.
When to Call the Doctor:
- For adults: Thirsty a lot, less pee, tired, fever, bad tummy pain, bloody poop.
- For kids: Same as adults, plus sunken eyes or under 12 months old.
Stay Safe Tips:
- If sick, stay home until no poop trouble for 24 hours.
- Wash hands lots—before food, after toilet, and more.
- Be careful with water and food in some places.
- No swimming for 14 days after diarrhea stops.
- Be extra careful with little ones in pools.
- Bath-sharing? Clean up well.