A total of 10 cases have been confirmed. The Health District was first notified of a case of Cryptosporidiosis on the Easter weekend. The total increased to three cases by April 23, and now stands at 10. Cryptosporidia are microscopic parasites that live in the intestines of humans and animals. Symptoms of Cryptosporidiosis include diarrhea, loose or watery stool, stomach cramps, upset stomach, and a slight fever.
Some people have no symptoms.
Crypto can be spread through water or food, or by contact with the feces of infected persons or animals. The source of the contamination is not yet known. In previous outbreaks elsewhere in Canada, water has been identified as a common source of infection. For that reason and in a proactive approach to guard public health, the precautionary drinking water advisory is issued. The advisory will remain in place until we have evidence to confirm or exclude our water supply as the source of infection.