Summary
Having a dip this summer? Be aware of cryptosporidiosis.
Dealing with diarrhoea symptoms this summer? Then make sure you avoid the pool for two weeks after experiencing symptoms.
Health authorities have issued a warning about the gastrointestinal disease cryptosporidiosis as the weather heats up and more people head to recreational water facilities to cool off.
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cryptosporidium and is a common cause of acute diarrhoea in young children.
As well as infecting humans, Cryptosporidium occurs in a variety of animals including cattle, sheep, dogs and cats.
Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said cryptosporidiosis was usually acquired through the ingestion of contaminated water or food, or through contact with infected individuals or animals.
“A common mode of transmission is by ingesting water contaminated with Cryptosporidium parasites and this can occur by people accidentally swallowing water in facilities such as swimming pools or other swimming areas,” Dr Carroll said.
“People may not realise that you can be infectious some time after diarrhoea symptoms cease, so that’s why we’re asking people to avoid swimming for 14 days after experiencing these symptoms.”
Last summer and autumn, Queensland experienced a significant sustained spike in cryptosporidiosis cases.
As of 18 December 2024, Queensland Health has recorded 6,103 cryptosporidiosis notifications across the state this year. This compares to 1,314 cases in 2023 and 535 cases in 2022 during the same period.
Most cases this year (5,619 notifications) were recorded between January 1 to May 30.
Dr Carroll said most cryptosporidiosis cases have been recorded in the southeast corner of the state this year.
“Nearly three quarters (73 per cent) of cases have occurred among residents in the Hospital and Health Service regions of Metro South, Metro North, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and West Moreton,” Dr Carroll said.
“Children aged nine years and under have accounted for 44 per cent of cryptosporidiosis notifications this year with 2,698 cases recorded in this age group.”
Dr Carroll said in good news, cryptosporidiosis case numbers have steadily declined in the second half of the year.
“Between 12 February and 24 March this year, Queensland Health was recording more than 430 cases per week on average.
“It’s great to see these numbers have fallen significantly in recent months, and we’re now recording an average of 15 cases per week.
“However, as the weather heats up and more people are swimming in pools and other recreational water facilities, we could see a spike in numbers again, so we’re encouraging people to take the proper precautions,” she said.
Dr Carroll said Queenslanders could take several measures to protect themselves and others against cryptosporidiosis infection.
“Be careful not to swallow water when swimming in any setting,” Dr Carroll said.
“I also advise people to avoid swimming in rivers, creeks or dams within a week after heavy rain.
“It’s so important to wash hands thoroughly after going to the toilet, changing nappies, and after cleaning up animal faeces to minimise transmission of disease.
“You should also wash the hands of toddlers and babies after a nappy change.
“Children with diarrhoea should not return to childcare or school until diarrhoea has ceased for 24 hours.”
Dr Carroll said people can also minimise risk by washing fruit and vegetables before eating them and boiling any untreated water and then cooling it before drinking,
There is no specific treatment for cryptosporidiosis, however it is important to stay hydrated.
People experiencing severe illness, difficulty maintaining adequate fluid intake or long-lasting diarrhoea should seek medical advice.
If you are unwell or concerned, please contact your healthcare professional or 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
Further information about cryptosporidiosis is available from the Queensland Government website.