The parasite usually causes diarrhea. People with a normal immune system recover after a few days or weeks, but immunocompromised people such as AIDS patients will probably never get rid of it, said Dr. Paul Southern Jr., attending physician at Parkland Memorial Hospital and professor of pathology at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. It's a common concern not only among health care professionals, but among water engineers who are trying to find better ways to filter water. Additionally, cancer patients as well as people who are in direct contact with infected animals should be aware of the problem. Other water sources commonly associated with outbreaks are children's day care areas and public swimming pools.
Contaminated water is just like a food poisoning in a healthy person.
Some recommended food safety tips include putting a drop of iodine in a gallon of water after brushing fruit and vegetables to reduce bacteria, or washing them with an antibacterial soap.