Cryptospordia is a parasitic organism that causes diarrheal illness in humans. Most human cases are caused by Cryptosporidia parvum. Cryptosporidia can be found in soil, food, water, or surfaces contaminated with feces of an infected human or animal. Infections with Crytosporidia produce symptoms of profuse and watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and fever. Sometimes no symptoms occur. Symptoms of a Crytosporidia infection begin 2 to 10 days after exposure and last about 2 weeks. There is no specific treatment and most healthy persons will recover on their own. However, persons with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for severe and prolonged illness. Crytosporidia organisms are commonly shed in the stool of livestock. More than 40 mammals harbor the parasite including puppies and kittens. Wastewater from raw sewage or runoff from grazing lands has been identified as a likely source of contamination in drinking and recreational water. Infection with Cryptosporidia occurs when the parasite is accidentally ingested. Cryptosporidia infections can be prevented by thorough hand washing and by drinking adequately disinfected and filtered water.

Table 1: Cryptosporidia in Maryland residents 1998-2002

Graph 1: Cryptospordia in Maryland residents 5-year trend

Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Epidemiology and Disease Control Program
Emerging Infections Program
201 W. Preston St., 3rd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-6234
Fax: 410-725-4825
Email: MDEIP@dhmh.state.md.us