Pharmacy Daily | NSW Health alert on parasite illness

AFTER a recent steep increase in cryptosporidiosis cases across the state, NSW Health has strongly advised the general public not to swim for at least two weeks after they've had diarrhoea.

Health Protection NSW's Executive Director Dr Jeremy McAnulty said there has been 498 cases of cryptosporidiosis reported in NSW so far this year, compared to the five-year average of 95 cases for the same time period.

Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrhoeal disease caused by the parasite, cryptosporidium, which infects the intestine and is a common cause of acute diarrhoea in young children.

Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, and loss of appetite.

McAnulty said with almost half of the cases in children under 10 years old, pharmacists should inform parents and carers to be aware of the risks and to take precautions.

"Cryptosporidiosis is commonly acquired by swimming in and swallowing water contaminated with cryptosporidium parasites," McAnulty explained.

"The parasite survives for many days, even in chlorinated pools, and in the past, very large outbreaks have been caused by people who had recently been infected and then gone swimming.

"Almost half of the cases reported this year had been swimming during their exposure period, and with such a high proportion of young children affected and with many schools about to hold swimming carnivals, we're urging parents to stay alert for symptoms," he commented.

NSW Health stated people who have had diarrhoea should avoid swimming for at least two weeks after their symptoms resolve, and not share towels.

They should not handle food for at least 48 hours after their symptoms resolve.

Children should also be kept home from preschool, childcare or playgroup until 24 hours after the diarrhoea has completely stopped.

To avoid catching the illness in the first place, people should avoid swimming in estuaries and inland waterways (e.g. rivers, creeks, or dams) during and for at least three days after heavy rain.

It is also advised to avoid swimming at ocean beaches during and for at least one day after heavy rain, and avoid swallowing water.

Pharmacists can also advise customers to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after using the toilet, handling animals or their manure, changing nappies, working in the garden and before preparing food or drinks.

It is also good practice to avoid drinking untreated water, such as from lakes or streams.

Boiling water by bringing it to a rolling boil is sufficient to kill cryptosporidium, advised the health body. JG