Cryptosporidiosis is a common cause of gastroenteritis (“gastro”) and is caused by a germ (parasite) Cryptosporidium.
Cryptosporidium can live for long periods in water, food, soil, or on surfaces that have been contaminated with infected stool (“poo”), and is not killed by the normal chlorine levels in swimming pools. The parasite is shed in stool for weeks after diarrhoea has stopped. Outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis can develop in places like swimming pools or childcare centers, or from consuming contaminated food and water.
Early identification of the source of cryptosporidiosis is important and helps to detect and control outbreaks. Spread is reduced by people who get infected not swimming for two weeks after symptoms stop, staying at home while unwell, regularly cleaning bathrooms and other surfaces, and washing hands with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food. Additional cleaning and disinfection are undertaken in places where an outbreak (where many people are infected) is identified.
To improve the early identification and management of outbreaks, the North Eastern Public Health Unit (NEPHU) will send a text message to people living in north eastern Melbourne who have received a positive test result for cryptosporidiosis. The text message will provide advice on how to reduce further spread and will contain a link to a survey which will collect information on potential sources of the infection.
If you require further information or have questions about this initiative, please see the following Frequently Asked Questions or email [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have I been sent a text message about cryptosporidiosis?
You have received this text message because your stool test was positive for cryptosporidiosis. The message includes your first name so you can be sure it is intended for you. Laboratories are required to share this information with the North Eastern Public Health Unit (NEPHU) under the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.
How can I provide feedback on the text message and survey?
You may be invited to complete an online evaluation survey about the text message and survey. Feedback can also be provided at any time by emailing [email protected].
Will I also receive a phone call?
If you don’t submit the survey, you may be contacted by phone as part of the usual process.
If you have completed the survey, NEPHU may call you if additional information is needed to assist with the outbreak investigation.
How will my privacy be protected?
Any information you provide is for the purpose of investigating the cause of your illness and preventing further cases.
All information is confidential and protected by legislation; it is only shared where necessary with authorised relevant parties.
For further information on NEPHU’s Health Protection data privacy policy, please click here.
Where can I find more information about cryptosporidiosis?
For more information, please see:
Please see your doctor if you require further health advice.
For clinicians
Cryptosporidiosis is a routine notifiable condition and must be notified within 5 days of diagnosis. Clinicians can notify using an online notification form.
To prevent the onward transmission, clinicians are recommended to advise patients to:
- Avoid swimming in pools for 2 weeks after diarrhoea has stopped. Cryptosporidium is not killed by standard pool disinfection and can contaminate pools.
- Exclude children from primary school and children’s services until symptoms have stopped for 24 hours, or 48 hours in an outbreak setting.
- Food handlers, healthcare workers and childcare workers are recommended to not return to work until symptoms have stopped for 48 hours.
- Wash hands with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food
- Clean bathrooms and other surfaces regularly
- Practice safer sexual practices (barrier methods and frequent washing) to reduce the risk of faecal–oral exposure
We welcome any feedback on this initiative by emailing [email protected].
