Cryptosporidiosis is an infection of the intestines caused by a very small parasite called Cryptosporidium . It affects both man and animals such as poultry, fish, cats, dogs and livestock. It is believed that only a few parasite eggs are needed to cause illness.
Symptoms usually start two to ten days after exposure to the parasite.
Not everyone who is infected will feel sick. If symptoms do occur, they may include watery diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and mild fever. Symptoms may come and go but usually resolve after 30 days. Infections may be life threatening in people with immune system problems, such as AIDS, cancer, etc. Outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis have occurred in day care centres and in locations where drinking water or swimming pools have been contaminated.