25 June 2024 , 15:00
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Scientists investigating a sickness bug caused by the cryptosporidium parasite found it in bags of ready-to-eat vegetables sold in Kent supermarkets. The bug can cause an illness called cryptosporidiosis which can affect both people and animals.
It can be found inside the intestines and faeces of infected people and animals, and many water sources such as pools. It can also contaminate food, especially raw milk and fresh produce.
But what are the signs of the infection, how long will it last and what can be done if you think you have it? According to the UK Health Security Agency there are actions you can take take if you think you have it and also to cut the risk to your family.
What is cryptosporidium?
Cryptosporidium is a tiny parasite which causes a disease called cryptosporidiosis. This affects both humans and some animals, particularly those on farms. It can be found in the intestines and faeces of those infected and can contaminate lakes, streams and rivers, swimming pools, untreated or poorly treated water. It can also contaminate food, especially raw milk and fresh produce, and objects such as farm gates and outdoor footwear and clothing.
Who is at risk?
While anyone can get cryptosporidiosis, it is most common in children aged between one and five years old. Others who are vulnerable are also at higher risk. Other people at risk include those who:
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- handle infected livestock or their faeces (poo)
- are exposed to human faeces through caring (such as changing nappies, toileting young children) or through sexual contact
- drink from untreated, unprotected water supplies or swallow contaminated recreational waters (lakes, rivers, streams, swimming pools or splash pads)
- travel to countries where these exposures are likely
It can be serious in people who have weakened immune systems or those which are not working properly.
How you get cryptosporidiosis
You can get cryptosporidiosis directly by touching faeces. This can be from things including when changing a nappy or petting a lamb and putting your hands near or in your mouth without washing them thoroughly.
You can also get it from swimming in or drinking contaminated water. Occasionally you can be infected by eating contaminated food, including unwashed or unpeeled vegetables or salads or drinking contaminated raw milk. Cryptosporidium in manure can contaminate fields, rivers, and crops.
What are the symptoms of cryptosporidiosis
Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis include:
- profuse watery diarrhoea
- stomach pains
- nausea or vomiting
- low-grade fever
- loss of appetite which can lead to dehydration and weight loss.
These usually last for about two weeks but they can take longer to clear, especially in people with weak immune systems. During the illness, you might think that you are getting better and have shaken off the infection but then it returns a couple of days later before you fully recover.
The symptoms are similar to many other stomach bugs. This means the only way to know you have cryptosporidium is for a doctor to ask for a sample of your faeces to be tested in a laboratory.
How to avoid getting and passing on cryptosporidiosis
There are steps everyone should take to cut the risk of being infected with any stomach bug including cryptosporidium. You should wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water:
- before preparing and eating food
- after handling raw food
- after going to the toilet or changing a baby’s nappy
- after working with, feeding, grooming or playing with pets and other animals
Other key steps:
- Help young children to wash their hands properly
- Always wash and/or peel fruits and vegetables before eating them.
- Do not drink untreated water.
- Do not consume ice or tap water in countries where the water supply might be unsafe.
- Avoid swallowing water in lakes and swimming pools.
- Pay special attention to hygiene during farm visits, washing hands after any contact with animals, and eating only in designated areas.
What should I do while infected?
Cryptosporidiosis is highly contagious, so you must be very clean around your home for at least 48 hours after your symptoms stop. You are infectious to other people while you are ill and have symptoms.
Remember you can pass cryptosporidium in your faeces for several weeks even if you no longer have symptoms. In addition to the previous practices, you should:
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- wash all dirty clothes, bedding and towels on the hottest possible cycle of the washing machine
- make sure that everyone has their own towel and that they do not use anybody else’s
- clean toilet seats, toilet bowls, flush handles, taps and wash hand basins after use with detergent and hot water, followed by a household disinfectant
- not go swimming or take your child swimming while suffering from diarrhoea and for 2 weeks after the diarrhoea has stopped
- not prepare food for others until you have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours
How to treat cryptosporidiosis
Currently there is no specific treatment for cryptosporidiosis. Most people with a healthy immune system will recover within one month.
However it is important to drink plenty of fluids as diarrhoea or vomiting can lead to dehydration. This means you can lose important sugars and minerals from your body.
Staying off work or school
While you have symptoms you are infectious so should stay off work or school. You should not return until you have been free from diarrhoea and/or vomiting for 48 hours.
Anyone who works with vulnerable groups and has had cryptosporidiosis should notify their employer. These include the young, the elderly, those in poor health, or if you handle food.