Cryptosporidium June 2014
Cryptosporidium June 2014
Cryptosporidium June 2014
Borders
What is Cryptosporidiosis?
Cryptosporidiosis is a parasite infection of animals, which can be passed to humans. It is a
fairly common disease in man and in domestic animals such as sheep and cattle.
Most cases occur in children under the age of 15. The disease is commonest in spring and
late autumn. Cryptosporidiosis is also a common cause of “travellers diarrhoea”.
Symptoms can sometimes last for up to 5 – 6 weeks. It can be longer where the immune
system is not fully working.
Can it be prevented?
The risk of spreading Cryptosporidium will be reduced if you practice the following:
1. Wash carefully all of the hands
after
handling animals
changing nappies
visiting the toilet
and before
cooking
handling food
feeding the young or elderly
eating
The Environmental Health Officer or Department of Public Health can offer advice if
concerned about a water supply.
In most cases it is generally advised to wait until 48 hours after last having diarrhoea or
sickness before returning to work or school/nursery.
A nurse or doctor from the Public Health Department or an Environmental Health Officer will
be in touch to find out more information about the time leading up to the illness. They will
want to know about who else may be at risk.
This document is available on request in different languages, audio tape, Braille format,
large print or BSL DVD. Please contact:
NHS Borders on 01896 825522 or email [email protected]
Produced by: Public Health Dept, NHS Borders, Education Centre, Borders General Hospital,
Melrose, TD6 9BD, 01896 825560
June 2014