Public Works | Cryptosporidium
What is Cryptosporidium?
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that travels in an oocyst (hard shell) and thrives in the intestines of mammals, including humans. Cryptosporidium is widespread in the environment. Oocysts have been found in rivers and streams, lakes and reservoirs, raw and treated sewage, and treated surface waters. The organism has also been found in both wild and domesticated animals.
The cryptosporidium organism can cause a severe intestinal illness in humans called cryptosporidiosis. Once oocysts are ingested, a person may become ill in two to twelve days. Disease symptoms include: diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, occasional vomiting, and low-grade fever. Cryptosporidiosis typically lasts 10-14 days, may linger off and on up to 30 days, and can persist for extended periods.
Children, the elderly, and 'high risk' individuals, e.g. the terminally ill, chemotherapy patients and AIDS/HIV individuals, may be the most susceptible. It is especially important for these persons to see their physician as soon as possible so they can be properly diagnosed. Individuals with compromised immune systems are advised to follow the advice of their physicians who may recommend they follow the EPA and CDC Drinking Water Guidance Manual for Those with Severely Weakened Immune Systems
Not everyone exposed to the parasite cryptosporidium shows signs of illness. Most people with antibodies indicating exposure to cryptosporidium are asymptomatic.
How is Cryptosporidium Spread?
Infection can occur from eating contaminated food and liquids or from accidental ingestion after exposure to surfaces contaminated with fecal matter e.g. changing tables, petting zoos, daycare center bathrooms. Cryptosporidiosis can also be spread by swimming in contaminated water and by person-to-person contact. Transmission of cryptosporidium oocysts can also occur between different animal species. For example, organisms from cats, cattle, and pigs are able to cause infection in humans, and organisms from humans can infect animals.
How to Decrease Your Chances of Contracting Cryptosporidiosis:
- Avoid water or food that may be contaminated
- Avoid drinking unpasteurized milk
- Always wash fruits and vegetables before eating
- Always wash hands after using the toilet and before handling food
- Always wash your hands after petting animals
- Always wash your hands after changing diapers
- Always avoid swimming in pools that have been contaminated with feces
If you suspect you have cryptosporidiosis, see your physician as soon as possible. This is especially important if your immune system is suppressed. To ensure that the disease is properly identified, you may be asked to provide a stool sample.
How is Cryptosporidiosis Treated?
There is no safe and effective cure available for cryptosporidiosis. People who have normal immune systems improve without taking any medications. Treating the symptoms of the disease can help decrease its severity.
Optimized Filtering Systems at the Topeka Water Treatment Facility.
The Water Division of the City of Topeka Public Works Department is dedicated to ensuring safe clean drinking water to the residents of Topeka and the surrounding area. To that end, Topeka Water has optimized its filtering systems with automated and computerized analytical systems that are continuously monitored by a knowledgeable and dedicated staff. Since cryptosporidium easily survives normal water disinfection processes, the effective removal of particulates in water with enhanced filtration processes and treatment are paramount to ensuring the removal of these ubiquitous and hardy oocysts.
