News

CDC Reports Crypto Cases Continue to Climb

Outbreaks of Cryptosporidium (Crypto), a disease caused by waterborne crypto parasites, have increased an average of 13% each year from 2009 to 2017, according to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Crypto is spread through the feces of infected humans or animals. People contract diarrhea after they swallow the parasite in contaminated water or food. It is the leading cause of disease outbreaks in the United States linked to water, specifically to pools or splash parks.

The CDC report describes 444 outbreaks from 2009 through 2017, resulting in 7,465 people becoming sick, 287 hospitalizations, and one death. Most of the outbreaks (35%) were linked to treated swimming water in pools and splashpads and 13% were linked to contact with infected people in childcare facilities.

Whether you’re the maintenance manager at a childcare facility, or a building with a water park or pool, setting up an infection prevention program can help protect people from Crypto and other outbreaks. The program should include thorough pre-precleaning of surfaces before disinfection and stress proper dwell times.