The outbreak of the parasitic disease, cryptosporidiosis, in Central Ohio increased by 22 cases in the past week, bringing the total in the three counties of Columbus, Franklin and Delaware counties to 937.
Crytosporidium, or “Crypto” is a protozoan parasite that causes diarrhea. It is found in the fecal matter of a person who has been infected by crypto. It is spread by swallowing water that has been contaminated with fecal matter containing crypto. It can also be spread from human-to-human contact.
Symptoms include watery diarrhea with abdominal pain and cramping, which can be accompanied by dehydration, weight loss, fever, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms can last for two weeks, with improvement often followed by recurrence. Infected persons can continue to spread the disease for several weeks after diarrhea subsides, so they should avoid activities involving recreational waters for at least two weeks after diarrhea subsides and practice diligent handwashing.
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Dear Robert,
This article caught my attention as I work as a Medical Science Liaison at Romark, L.C. a pharmaceutical company that are the makers of Nitazoxanide (Alinia). Nitazoxanide is FDA indicated/approved for the treatment of diarrhea from Cryptosporidium.
The Ohio Cryptosporidium outbreak is alarming and I was wondering if you would consider a f/u story on treatment of Cryptosporidium. I would like very much to connect with you if possible as Nitazoxanide may help many with diarrhea related to Cryptosporidium.