A person can be infected by consuming contaminated water or food. If you think you have cryptosporidosis, see a health care provider, especially if you have a weakened immune system. There is no cure for the disease. However, the symptoms may be treated with antidiarrheal drugs. Anyone who consumes contaminated food or water, child care workers, young children who attend child care centers, persons exposed to human feces by sexual contact, and caregivers who might come in contact with feces while caring for a person infected with cryptosporidosis.
Children are especially susceptible because they put so many things into their mouths.
Cryptosporidosis is not a reportable illness in Washington. Originally considered a parasite of animals, reptiles and birds, it first was detected as a source of illness for humans in 1976. Health officials now believe Cryptosporidium has been causing human illnesses for a long time, but it was overlooked due to difficulties in testing and diagnosis. Pay attention to health advisories and boil water notices. The single, most effective way to avoid illness is to wash your hands often with soap and water.