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Cryptosporidium Infection and Animals What is Cryptosporidium infection?
Cryptosporidium infection (cryptosporidiosis) (krip-toe-spo-rid-ee-oh-sis) is a parasitic disease caused by Cryptosporidium parvum. It usually causes a mild to severe infection of the gastrointestinal system, including watery diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Can animals give me Cryptosporidium infection? Yes, sometimes. Most people get Cryptosporidium infection from contaminated food and water. However, sometimes animals (including farm animals, cats, and dogs) carry this parasite in their feces (stool) and pass it to people. Animals do not have to be ill to pass Cryptosporidium to humans. People with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing immunosuppressive treatments for cancer, organ transplant patients, and people with HIV/AIDS, are more likely than others to get Cryptospordium infection.
How do I reduce my risk of acquiring cryptosporidiosis from my pet?
How do I find more information on Cryptosporidium infection? To learn more about this disease, refer to CDC's site on Cryptosporidium infection, including fact sheets, prevention tips, and other resources.
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