Cryptosporidium is water born parasite that can wreak havoc on your digestive system and it's causing the Centers for Disease Control to warn parents about an uptick of cases.
According to the CDC swallowing, even a small amount of pool water that has been contaminated with the Crypto germ can make you sick.
Crypto can also be spread by swallowing contaminated water from water parks, interactive fountains, water play areas, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, streams, and oceans.
From 2009-2017 the number of cryptosporidiosis cases increased on average by 13 percent each year and 35 percent of the outbreaks- were linked to pools. The cases tend to rise from June to August, according to the CDC.
Dr. Dan Rogers with Ascension Columbia St. Mary's said there are a few main symptoms of cyrpto.
"Most commonly people will come in with abdominal cramps and profuse diarrhea," said Dr. Rogers.
The symptoms can last from a couple of days or up to three weeks. Dr. Rogers said most people will recover on their own, but some should seek medical attention.
"If someone is immune compromised or unhealthy, it can be a chronic issue so they would need to seek a medical provider," said Dr. Rogers.
Last year 25 cases of crypto outbreaks caused the YMCA at Pabst Farms in Oconomowoc to temporarily shut down. Dr Rogers said if you have any of the symptoms, to stay out of the water.
"Most people should stay out of the water if you could for about two weeks after all symptoms have resolved. In a recently released survey, about 24 percent of people would jump in an hour after diarrhea so that would be something that would advise against," said Dr. Rogers.
