Cryptosporidium
Health officials in Iowa are warning anyone spending a day at an eastern Iowa lake or river this summer to avoid swallowing the water. A water-borne parasite called Cryptosporidium is making people sick throughout that part of the state. The Cryptosporidium parasite can be present in any type of water, from rivers and lakes to swimming pools. Cryptosporidium is a pathogen that causes gastrointestinal illness.
Chlorine doesn't kill Cryptosporidium because it's a parasite, and not bacteria. But, there are easy ways to prevent it. If you go swimming, wherever it may be, you should avoid swallowing the water. You should also wash your hands before you eat, after swimming.
July 31, 2007 6:51 AM | Category: Water Sports