Every year, roughly 750,000 Americans are infected with the parasite Cryptosporidium parasite every year. It spreads in feces and outbreaks commonly occur at daycare centers, water parks, pools, and communal water sources.
Need a Texas Cryptosporidium Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was injured by Cryptosporidium, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit in Texas.
What is Cryptosporidium (Crypto)?
Cryptosporidium (or “Crypto”) is a microscopic parasite that spreads through feces and causes a disease called cryptosporidosis. The parasite infects humans and animals, grows in the intestines, and causes diarrhea. With each bowel movement, millions of parasites are excreted in feces from infected people. Cryptosporidium can be found in feces for many weeks after symptoms of diarrhea stop.
Cryptosporidium can survive for long periods of time outside the body because it creates an outer shell. This shell also protects the parasite from most disinfectants, including chlorine used in pools.
How Does Cryptosporidosis Spread?
Cryptosporidium is one of the most common waterborne diseases. Several massive outbreaks have been linked to recreational water sources (community pools, water parks, etc.) as well as municipal water sources. The parasite is found in every major region in the United States and throughout the world.
Cryptosporidium spreads by:
- Swallowing contaminated water — Especially recreational water from swimming pools, lakes, hot tubs, rivers, or other sources.
- Food poisoning — Eating uncooked food, raw fruits, or vegetables contaminated with Cryptosporidium can spread the disease.
- Touching contaminated surfaces and your mouth — Hands can be contaminated by touching surfaces (toys, bathroom faucet, changing tables, etc.), changing diapers, or handling a cow or calf.
Risk Factors for Crypto Infection
- Children who attend daycare
- Daycare workers
- Parents of children who are infected
- International travelers
- Swimmers
- Hikers who drink unfiltered, untreated water
- People who handle infected cattle
Crypto Food Poisoning Symptoms
The symptoms of cryptosporidosis occur 2-10 days (average of 7 days) after becoming infected with the parasite. In healthy adults, symptoms last for 1-2 weeks. Common symptoms include:
- Watery diarrhea (frequent, large-volume)
- Stomach cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Malaise (generally feeling ill, tired)
Resources & Additional Info
- Parasites – Cryptosporidium (“Crypto”) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Cryptosporidium enteritis — National Institute of Health (NIH)
Need a Cryptosporidium Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $60 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas cryptosporidium lawyers for a free lawsuit review.