Health officials in Columbus, Ohio have reported an additional 11 Cryptosporidium cases in the past week, bringing the to outbreak total in Central Ohio to 986. In addition to Columbus County, Franklin County and Delaware County have been affected by the cryptosporidium outbreak.

Cryptosporidiosis is caused by Cryptosporidium, or “crypto,” a parasite that causes watery diarrhea. The parasite is found in the fecal matter of people infected with crypto, and it is spread by swallowing contaminated water or by human-to-human contact.

Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, dehydration, weight loss, fever and nausea and vomiting.

Symptoms can last for two weeks. Infected persons can continue to spread the disease for several weeks after diarrhea, so they should avoid activities involving recreational waters for at least two weeks after diarrhea subsides and practice diligent hand washing.

This outbreak is not tied to any one location.  Most cases report multiple exposures at various recreational water facilities throughout the three jurisdictions.

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