Cryptosporidiosis primary prevention
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Tarek Nafee, M.D. [2]
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Overview
Cryptosporidiosis is primarily transmitted via fecal oral route and dwells in water resevoirs. Primary prevention of cryptosporidiosis lies in appropriate hygiene after contact with sources or environments that may be contaminated with fecal material such as: after using the toilet, after contact with animals, after contact with children, after gardening or outdoor activities, after engaging in anal sex.
Other primary preventive measures include avoidance public swimming areas or water recreation parks for two weeks after resolution of an episode of diarrhea, avoidance of contact with someone who has diagnosed cryptospiroidosis, and caution when traveling in countries where the safety of the food or water supply is unknown or in question.
People who are immunocompromised should be particularly cautious to follow these prevention strategies. A cryptosporidiosis infection may have serious and possibly life-threatening sequelae in immune compromised patients.
Primary Prevention
The following CDC recommendations are intended to help prevent and control cryptosporidiosis. [1]
Practice Good Hygiene
Everywhere
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, rubbing hands together vigorously and scrubbing all surfaces:
- Before preparing or eating food
After using the toilet
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
- Before and after tending to someone who is ill with diarrhea
- After handling an animal or animal waste
At child care facilities
- To reduce the risk of disease transmission, children with diarrhea should be excluded from child care settings until the diarrhea has stopped.
At recreational water venues (pools, interactive fountains, lakes, ocean)
- Protect others by not swimming if you are experiencing diarrhea (this is essential for children in diapers). If you have diarrhea or are diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis, do not swim for at least 2 weeks after diarrhea stops.
- Shower before entering the water.
- Wash children thoroughly (especially their bottoms) with soap and water after they use the toilet or their diapers are changed and before they enter the water.
- Take children on frequent bathroom breaks and check their diapers often.
- Change diapers in the bathroom, not at the poolside.
Around animals
- Minimize contact with the feces of all animals, particularly young animals.
- When cleaning up animal feces, wear disposable gloves, and always wash hands when finished.
- Wash hands after any contact with animals or their living areas.
Outside
- Wash hands after gardening, even if wearing gloves.
Immunocompromised persons
- Chronic cryptosporidiosis occurs primarily in persons with advanced immunodeficiency, initiation of ART before the patient becomes severely immunosuppressed should prevent the disease.
- Avoid close contact with any person or animal that has cryptosporidiosis. Cryptosporidiosis can become a life threatening disease for immunocompromised persons.
- Do not handle animal feces because infection can be life threatening for immunocompromised persons.
Avoid Water That Might be Contaminated
- Avoid drinking untreated water from lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, streams, or shallow wells.
- Follow local drinking water advisories.
- In areas where the safety of the drinking water is in doubt, use:
- Commercially bottled water
- A filter designed to remove Crytptosporidium such as:
- A filter labeled "NSF53" or "NSF58"
- A filter labeled "absolute pore size of 1 micron or smaller"
- Rinse fruits and vegetables with boiled or filtered water.
Extra Caution While Traveling
- Avoid uncooked foods while traveling in countries where the safety of the food supply is in question
- Do not use or drink inadequately treated water or ice in countries where the safety of the water supply is in question
Prevent Contact or Contamination With Feces During Sex
- Use barrier protection between the mouth and a partner's genitals or rectum
- Wash hands immediately after handling a condom or other barrier used during anal sex adn after touching the anus or rectal area
References
- ↑ "Cryptosporidium Prevention & Control". Centers for Disease Controol and Prevention. CDC.