A parasite that causes diarrheal illnesses has infected more than 100 people at more than 20 recreational water facilities across Maricopa County in Arizona.
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health is currently investigating the outbreak in coordination with the county's Environmental Services Department. All facilities that have been named as a potential infection site are being treated for the parasite known as Cryptosporidium parvum.
"Unfortunately, there is no reliable test for Crypto in water, so there is no way to know which pools are contaminated with this parasite," said Rebecca Sunenshine, MD, medical director for MCPH. "Right now, this outbreak is community-wide and there is an increased risk to those swimming at recreational water facilities. The most important thing the public can do to prevent spread of this disease is to stay out of the water if you have diarrhea, until at least two weeks after symptoms resolve."
Cryptosporidium is the leading cause of waterborne disease in the United States. To learn more about the parasite, click here.
More articles on infection control:
Co-infection with malaria improves Ebola survival rates
US pediatricians say vaccination rates remain steady, but so do parental concerns
Obesity hinders flu vaccine effectiveness