Cryptosporidium is a parasite that infects an estimated 748,000 Americans per year. It causes cryptosporidosis, a disease also known as “Crypto.” Outbreaks of Crypto food poisoning typically occur when feces contaminates food or water — especially in community pools, hot tubs, water parks, and more.
What You Can Do & How a Cryptosporidium Lawsuit Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Cryptosporidium induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by an outbreak of Crypto food poisoning, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Crypto Food Poisoning Outbreaks
Recent outbreaks of Cryptosporidium include:
- August 28, 2013 — Wyoming Department of Health — Crypto outbreak linked to Keyhole Reservoir.
- April 3, 2013 — Crypto outbreak in Kansas linked to rollover accident with Holstein calves
- July 15, 2011 — Summer Camp in North Carolina
- August 6, 2007 — Idaho Splash Park
Overview: What is Crypto?
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that grows in the intestines of humans and animals, spreads in feces, and causes a disease known as “Cryptosporidosis” or “Crypto.” People who ingest Cryptosporidium develop a gastrointestinal illness and diarrhea. With each bowel movement, millions of parasites are excreted. The parasite continues to shed in feces for weeks after symptoms of diarrhea stop.
Cryptosporidium is one of the most common causes of food poisoning and it is found in every major region in the United States. It forms a outer shell, which protects it from most disinfectants, including chlorine used in pools.
How Does Cryptosporidium Spread?
- Food poisoning: Food can be contaminated from dirty water, surfaces, or food handlers who do not wash their hands before preparing food.
- Swallowing contaminated water: Outbreaks of Crypto are often traced to community water sources, such as pools, water parks, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, ponds, and municipal water.
- Touching contaminated surfaces and your mouth: Crypto can spread when people touch their mouth after touching surfaces, toys, faucets, baby changing tables, diapers, cows, etc.
Risk-Factors for Cryptosporidosis
- Daycares with diaper-aged children
- Child care workers
- Parents or family of children who are infected
- Swimmers at community pools or recreational water sources
- International travelers who eat raw food that is not boiled, cooked, or peeled
- Eating contaminated food (food poisoning)
- Hikers who drink contaminated, unfiltered water
- People who handle infected cows
Symptoms of Crypto Food Poisoning
Cryptosporidosis infects the intestines within 2-10 days after the parasite is ingested. The symptoms are not usually life-threatening, and healthy adults typically recover within 1-2 weeks, although they are contagious for several weeks after symptoms improve.
Crypto food poisoning symptoms include:
- Diarrhea that is watery, frequent, large volume
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Dehydration (excessive thirst, decreased urination, etc.)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Malaise
Do I have a Cryptosporidium Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Cryptosporidium induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by an outbreak of Crypto food poisoning, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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