Day Care Facilities
Cryptosporidiosis is a gastrointestinal illness, caused by the parasite, Cryptosporidium. This disease is a common cause of diarrhea in children, especially in child care settings. The hallmark symptom of cryptosporidiosis is watery diarrhea, which might be accompanied by stomach ache, nausea and vomiting, fever, and a general sick feeling. Healthy people who contract cryptosporidiosis almost always get better without any treatment but treatment is available by prescription. An unusual feature of cryptosporidiosis is that some people seem to get better only to have the diarrhea come back in a few days. Symptoms can come and go for up to 30 days, but usually subside in 1 to 2 weeks. However, cryptosporidiosis can cause severe illness in persons with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV infection or those taking drugs that suppress the immune system.
Because Cryptosporidium is in feces, anything that gets contaminated by feces can potentially spread the parasite. As a result, the parasite can be spread directly from person-to-person, through contact with contaminated objects (e.g., toys), or by swallowing contaminated food or water (drinking and recreational). Cryptosporidiosis outbreaks in child care settings are most common during late summer/early fall (August/September) but might occur at any time. The spread of cryptosporidiosis is highest among young children who are not toilet trained and their caregivers (those who change diapers).
Cryptosporidium is resistant to chlorine disinfection so it is tougher to kill than most disease-causing organisms. The usual disinfectants, including most commonly used bleach solutions, have little effect on the Cryptosporidium parasite. An application of either hydrogen peroxide or ammonia seems to work best. Hydrogen peroxide is probably the best choice in the child care setting, because ammonia has a strong odor and produces hazardous gas when mixed with bleach or other chlorinated solutions.
Good hygiene practices can help prevent cryptosporidiosis outbreaks.
Related Day Care Facilities Links
Control Measures for Outbreaks
Page last reviewed: April 16, 2008
Content Source: Division of Parasitic Diseases (DPD)
National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases (ZVED)