Kingston, Ont., health unit investigating 114 cases of stomach illness caused by parasite

The Southeast Public Health Unit says it is investigating at least 114 cases of a stomach illness called cryptosporidiosis, which is caused by ingesting contaminated food or water.

An investigation began in early May after several reports of gastrointestinal illnesses in the Kingston, Ont., area, the health unit said.

On Thursday, officials identified the illness as cryptosporidiosis.

“Individuals become sick with cryptosporidiosis when they eat food or drink water contaminated with the parasite cryptosporidium. The illness is also spread through contact with infected feces from people or animals,” the Southeast Public Health Unit said in a news release.

“Most people with cryptosporidiosis recover without treatment; however, individuals with weakened immune systems due to medications or health conditions (e.g. those undergoing cancer treatment) may experience more severe illness and require medication.”

The source of the illness is still unknown. The health unit says water samples from several locations throughout the Kingston area and from the water treatment plant have all tested negative.

What are the symptoms?

The disease can cause symptoms such as watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or cramps, fever, and a feeling of fatigue or weakness.

“Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis usually start two to 10 days after someone gets the parasite and typically last one to two weeks. Some people might feel better for a few days, then feel sick again before they recover. Other people may not feel sick at all,” the Southeast Public Health Unit said.

The disease can also spread from person to person. In order to minimize the spread, the health unit urges people to stay home when sick and for at least 48 hours after diarrhea stops. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating, cooking, feeding children, and after using the toilet or changing diapers. The health unit says hand sanitizer does not affect cryptosporidium.

If you have diarrhea, stay out of pools, hot tubs and splash pads and wait at least 14 days before going swimming again after diarrhea has stopped.

If diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours, contact your health-care provider.

More details about the disease are available at the Southeast Public Health Unit’s website.

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