What is Cryptosporidium?

According to NHS Choices Cryptosporidium is a parasite (a tiny organism) that causes an infection affecting people and farm animals.

Cryptosporidium is found in lakes, streams and rivers, untreated drinking water and sometimes in swimming pools.

• Who is at risk?

Anyone can get cryptosporidiosis, but it is most common in children aged between one and five years. People who care for, or work with children are more at risk than others.

For most people, the illness is unpleasant but self-limiting. However, it can be a serious illness in people who have immune systems that are not working properly.

• What are the symptoms of cryptosporidiosis and how long do they last?

The most common symptoms are watery diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pains, and fever which may only last a couple of days, but which can continue for up to three or four weeks. It can affect people with weak immune systems for much longer.

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