Cryptosporidiosis (Cryptosporidium): Prevention and risks
On this page
- How to prevent cryptosporidiosis
- Tips to prevent sryptosporidiosis while travelling
- Risks of getting cryptosporidiosis
- Who is most at risk
- The risks of complications
- For more information
How to prevent cryptosporidiosis
You can reduce your risk of becoming ill from cryptosporidiosis if you:
- follow general food safety practices
- avoid water that may be contaminated
- avoid drinking untreated water from rivers or lakes
- wash your hands often with clean running water and soap
To help prevent the spread of cryptosporidiosis, public health authorities will issue a boil-water advisory if Cryptosporidium is in municipal drinking water.
If you are unsure of the safety of your drinking water you can:
- use commercially bottled water
- use a water filter known to remove parasites
- boil your water for 1 minute to kill any parasites that may be present
Tips to prevent cryptosporidiosis while travelling
Talk to a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic 6 weeks before you travel.
You can lower your risk by:
- washing your hands often
- eating only cooked foods that have been properly prepared
- avoiding untreated water or ice where the water might not be safe
Risks of getting cryptosporidiosis
Your risk of getting cryptosporidiosis is highest if you come into contact with contaminated:
- soil
- food
- water
- feces
- surfaces
Canadian drinking water is safe as there are systems in place to protect Canadians from Cryptosporidium. If there is a suspected or actual outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis related to drinking water, municipalities will generally issue a boil-water advisory.
Who is most at risk
Cryptosporidium can infect all people although there are some people that are more at risk, such as:
- pregnant woman
- young children (under 5 years of age)
- people with weakened immune systems
The risks of complications
The symptoms usually go away without treatment, but complications such as dehydration can occur in rare cases.