People sick with a Cryptosporidium infection can be symptomatic or may not experience any symptoms. People may experience frequent, watery diarrhea typically lasting up to three weeks.

Additional symptoms can include

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Anorexia
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

These symptoms may begin five to seven days after exposure to the parasite.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis is made by examination of stool (poop) samples. Because patients may not shed enough of the parasite to be detected, your doctor may ask you to submit several stool samples over several days.

Treatment

Most people who have healthy immune systems will recover without treatment. However, young children and pregnant women may be more susceptible to dehydration resulting from diarrhea. Diarrhea can be managed by drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Anti-diarrheal medicine may help slow down diarrhea, but a healthcare provider should be consulted before such medicine is taken.

• Practice good hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water, especially during key times when you are likely to spread germs
• Avoid food that might be contaminated and avoid items that are not pasteurized
• Do not eat fruits and vegetables washed in water that might be contaminated
• Do not use or drink inadequately treated water or use ice when traveling in countries where the water might be unsafe
• Avoid eating uncooked foods when traveling in countries where the food might be unsafe

Once you or your child start having symptoms of the illness, such as diarrhea, do not attend work (specifically for food handlers, healthcare workers, daycare workers) or attend daycare, or school until a healthcare provider or someone from your local health department says you are clear to go back. If you believe you have cryptosporidiosis and have not yet been treated or spoken to a doctor, please be sure to do so. You should be evaluated by a doctor to confirm that you have cryptosporidiosis, and that you get the correct treatment. You should also respond to requests for interview by your local or state public health department. An investigation will take place for every confirmed case of cryptosporidiosis. It is important that you answer the call from your local or state health department so that other people in your home or near you are not at risk of getting cryptosporidiosis as well. An investigation may also look into your exposures to check if other people are at risk.