NORTHERN KENTUCKY – The Northern Kentucky Health Department has issued a warning that more swimming pools in the region may have been exposed to the parasite Cryptosporidium, commonly known as “crypto.” This parasite is responsible for causing gastrointestinal illnesses that can be severe.
As of the latest reports, there are 16 confirmed cases of Cryptosporidiosis in Northern Kentucky, with an additional 20 probable cases under investigation. Health officials are continuing to test more individuals as concerns of a broader outbreak grow.
Steve Divine, a representative of the Northern Kentucky Health Department, explained that Cryptosporidium is typically found in large bodies of water, including swimming pools. The ongoing outbreak has already been linked to at least one specific location—the Silverlake Family Fun Center pool in Erlanger.
“Crypto is a fecal/oral parasite,” Divine stated. “It only takes one person who hasn’t properly washed their hands or wiped after using the bathroom to contaminate a pool. This could then lead to widespread infection.”
Divine emphasized that the risk is not limited to a single pool, as individuals often swim in multiple pools, potentially spreading the parasite to other locations. “There’s been at least one pool that has been exposed, but it probably won’t be the only one,” he warned.
Even pools that adhere to standard cleaning protocols are not immune, as normal chlorine levels are ineffective against the parasite. This has heightened concerns as more people report symptoms after visiting various public pools across Kentucky and Ohio, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
In response to the outbreak, the Northern Kentucky Health Department has issued the following recommendations to limit exposure to Cryptosporidium:
1. Individuals experiencing diarrhea or who have had diarrhea within the last two weeks should avoid using swimming pools, splash pads, or hot tubs.
2. Those who have contracted Cryptosporidiosis should refrain from using any swimming facilities for at least two weeks after symptoms have fully subsided.
3. Avoid swallowing pool water.
4. Practice good hygiene by showering before swimming, washing hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and thoroughly washing children with soap before they enter the pool.
5. Take children on regular bathroom breaks and check their diapers frequently.
6. Diaper changes should be done in the bathroom, not poolside or on the pool deck.
7. Do not allow non-potty-trained children into the pool.
The symptoms of Cryptosporidiosis include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, low-grade fever, vomiting, and nausea. The illness can also cause dehydration and other complications. Symptoms can vary, and in some cases, individuals may not show symptoms at all.
Young children and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness from Cryptosporidium. Symptoms typically appear within seven days of exposure and can last for up to two weeks. Even after symptoms improve, the parasite can still be transmitted for two or more weeks.
Cryptosporidium can infect both humans and animals, and it spreads through the feces of infected hosts. Exposure to contaminated water, food, soil, or surfaces can lead to infection if the parasite’s microscopic oocysts are ingested.
As the situation develops, health officials are urging the public to follow these guidelines to prevent further spread and protect vulnerable populations.