The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning over an “unpleasant and sometimes dangerous” illness. The government health body took to X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday to share some medical information.
It said: “Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that can cause an unpleasant – and sometimes dangerous – illness called cryptosporidiosis. Read our guide to how to avoid #Crypto and what to do if you catch it”. The linked blog further explains that “unfortunately, anyone can catch cryptosporidium”.
It goes on to say, though, that the illness is “particularly common in children between 1 and 5 years old”, adding that “other groups at high risk of catching the bug include people working with farm animals or contaminated water, those changing nappies, or travelling to countries with poor sanitation. It can cause serious illness in those of any age with weakened immune systems.”
The bug is caused by a parasite that lives in the intestines of infected humans and animals and is passed out via excrement, which can then contaminate water sources such as lakes and pools, as well as foods like vegetables and raw milk.
Symptoms, the UKHSA said, include severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, nausea, fever, and loss of appetite. The illness can last for around two weeks, and sufferers can often feel they are improving, only for it to return before you properly recover.
The good news, health bosses said, is that there are a number of steps you can take to prevent cryptosporidiosis, and these include washing hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after going to the toilet or having contact with pets or other animals, and before eating. You should also wash and peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid drinking untreated water or swallowing pool or lake water.
The only way to know for sure if you have the illness is by getting tested by a doctor.