Parasitic Crypto outbreak identified in Northern Kentucky

Editor's note: This story was updated Monday, Aug. 19, with a statement from Silverlake Water Park .

The Northern Kentucky Health Department is investigating an outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis, better known as crypto, within the Northern Kentucky area this week.

The cryptosporidium parasite causes a gastrointestinal illness marked by abdominal cramps, watery diarrhea, low-grade fever, vomiting and nausea.

As of Friday afternoon, there are a dozen confirmed cases and "numerous" probable cases. About half of the confirmed cases are associated with Silverlake Water Park in Erlanger, the health department said.

Health department spokesperson Skip Tate said the water park has been very cooperative, having "super-chlorinated" their pool. The park remains open, Tate added.

On Monday, the waterpark sent this statement:

"We are aware of the recent Cryptosporidium (Crypto) outbreak that has impacted multiple pools in the Northern Kentucky area. Crypto is a fecal-oral spread parasite that can live in liquid, soil and on hard surfaces. Health and safety is our top priority at Silverlake and we are taking all the possible steps to ensure the pool is safe for our members, staff and guests.

"Following the notification of the first case by the Health Department, we immediately took action to close and clean our pool. Members were notified via social media that the pool would be closing for sanitation. We closed the pool by 5 p.m. at which time we followed the protocols of the Northern Kentucky Health Department with a process called super chlorination to kill Crypto. The Silverlake pool was over super chlorinated to ensure the levels were well beyond what is necessary to kill Crypto.

"Once this process was complete and chlorine levels returned to safe levels, we were cleared by the Health Department to reopen the pool. This process took over 42 hours to complete. The outdoor pool was closed from 5 p.m. on August 9 and reopened at 11 a.m. on August 11.

In addition to the steps we are taking, we encourage all participants to practice good hygiene."

Tate said the other half of the cases came from other sources, such as one person who was kayaking in the Little Miami River.

Those impacted range from 2 years old to adult, he added.

As part of the outbreak response efforts, the Northern Kentucky Health Department is investigating, providing related guidance to facilities and individuals, and taking associated actions to reduce risks.

What are the symptoms?

Crypto is a gastrointestinal illness. Common symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, low-grade fever, vomiting and nausea. These conditions can lead to dehydration and similar concerns.

However, a person's symptoms can vary and some may not show any symptoms.

Who is at risk?

Crypto parasites can infect humans and animals and are shed in their feces. Young children and people immunologically suppressed are at increased risk for more severe illness.

Individuals who are directly exposed to water, food, soil, or surfaces contaminated with feces and then swallow the microscopic oocysts of the parasite can become infected. Inadequate handwashing is a common means of spreading crypto, which is extremely resilient to disinfectants and tougher to kill than most disease-causing organisms in the environment.

Common levels of chlorine disinfection measures have limited effect on the parasite, and alcohol hand sanitizers are ineffective. However, persistent cleaning and disinfection of surfaces can help reduce exposure, particularly in bathrooms and other high-risk areas.

What should you do if you're experiencing symptoms?

The incubation period for Crypto is two to 10 days, with most people developing symptoms within seven days of exposure. In otherwise healthy individuals, symptoms usually subside within a couple of weeks with supportive care to treat the symptoms and avoid dehydration. Crypto can be transmitted for two weeks or more after symptoms subside.

• Individuals with confirmed crypto, loose stool or watery diarrhea, or who have had such conditions should not use swimming pools or other public bathing facilities for at least two weeks after symptoms have stopped.
• Diaper changing should take place in bathrooms or otherwise designated locations and not on pool decks, chairs or tables. It is recommended that children, who are not potty trained or are still in diapers, should not be in public swimming pools as this increases the risk of transmitting the illness if infected.
• Handwashing with soap and water should be done after using the restroom, changing diapers, before handling food items or eating, and after touching animals.

Additional information on cryptosporidium can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website . The health department recommends you see your medical provider if you or your children have symptoms or believe you need testing for crypto.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Parasitic Crypto outbreak identified in Northern Kentucky