Health Alert - Cryptosporidiosis

NSW Health has advised the community not to swim for at least weeks after they have had diarrhoea after a steep recent increase in cryptosporidiosis cases across the state.

Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrhoeal disease caused by the parasite, Cryptosporidium.

It infects the intestine and is a common cause of acute diarrhoea in young children.

Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fever, headache and loss of appetite.

People who have diarrhoea should:

• Avoid swimming for at least two weeks after symptoms resolve;
• Avoid sharing towels for at least two weeks after symptoms resolve;
• Avoid handling food for at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve; and
• Children who have diarrhoea should be kept home from preschool, childcare or playgroup until 24 hours after the diarrhoea has completely stopped.

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• Health & Wellbeing