Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 1, 2008

HEALTH ADVISORY: Cryptosporidiosis

(McKINNEY, Texas) – Collin County Health Care Services (CCHCS) is investigating local reports of cryptosporidiosis in recreational water facilities. To date, CCHCS has seen an increase in the number of confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis when compared to the same timeframe last year. Since the recent increase in the number of cryptosporidiosis cases in the North Texas region, there have been 15 laboratory-confirmed cryptosporidiosis cases in Collin County. Epidemiology staff are conducting investigations of reported cases and working closely with local jurisdictions to ensure proper disease prevention measures, such as hyperchlorination, are being taken to protect the public’s health.

Cryptosporidiosis or “Crypto” is a diarrheal illness caused by a microscopic parasite, Cryptosporidium. A person may become ill after swallowing water or food that has become contaminated with the parasite. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, and stomach cramps which may last 1-2 weeks. People with vulnerable or weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and young children may become more seriously ill or be ill for a longer period of time.

In order to prevent the spread of cryptosporidiosis, CCHCS is recommending the following measures:

Do’s and Don’ts for the general public:

• DO seek medical attention upon onset of a diarrheal illness
• DON’T swim if you have diarrhea
• DON’T swim for 14 days after the diarrhea has ended
• DO shower before and after swimming
• DO wash your hands with soap and water before preparing or eating food and after using the toilet or changing diapers
• DON’T swallow water from pools and lakes

For operators of aquatic facilities:

• Persons should not enter the water if experiencing symptoms until two weeks after diarrhea illness has ended
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at www.healthyswimming.org for guidance and instruction on hyperchlorination to kill cryptosporidium
• For questions or concerns about hyperchlorination in an incorporated city within the county, please contact your city’s environmental health department
• For questions or concerns about hyperchlorination in the unincorporated areas of the county, please contact Collin County Developmental Services at 972-548-5585
• For additional information please visit www.dshs.state.tx.us

###