Victorians who use aquatic facilities are advised that there is an increase in Cryptosporidiosis in Victoria.
The state’s Chief Health Officer issued an alert this week which showed Victoria has received the highest number of reported cases of the gastro-like illness.
Commonly caught after using public swimming pools, cryptosporidiosis is caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium, which is resistant to the high levels of chlorine normally found in public pools.
Swimmers can become infected when they accidentally swallow pool water contaminated with the parasite.
Symptoms can include watery diarrhoea and stomach cramps which may last several weeks. It can be spread to others both during the illness, and for up to two weeks after symptoms resolve. Other symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, bloating and loss of appetite.
Note: Some people who are infected may not show any symptoms.
The Chief Health Officer recommends:
- Do not swim if you have had cryptosporidiosis or diarrhoea of unknown cause in the past 14 days.
- Shower and wash with soap, especially the bottom, before swimming.
- Avoid swallowing pool water.
- Wash hands with soap after going to the toilet, changing a nappy, handling animals or before preparing food or drink.
- Do not handle food or prepare food for others until at least 48 hours after diarrhoea has stopped.
- Change nappies in nappy change areas only.
- Keep children home from childcare or school until 24 hours free of symptoms.
- If you think you or your child may have cryptosporidiosis, contact your doctor who will ask you for a stool (faeces or ‘poo’) sample for testing. If the results of the tests show that you have cryptosporidiosis, the doctor will be able to provide you with advice and will also notify the Department of Health.