Cryptosporidiosis

Cryptosporidiosis is a disease caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium. Some people with cryptosporidiosis do not have any symptoms. The most common symptoms are frequent, watery diarrhea and stomach cramps. Some people may experience fever, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Cryptosporidiosis is spread by consuming contaminated food or water, swimming in contaminated water, or contact with infected pets or farm animals. For more information, see the Health Unit's fact sheets page on cryptosporidium.

The following graph shows the number of cryptosporidiosis cases in Simcoe Muskoka between 2000 and 2010. There are many factors that influence how many cases are reported to the Health Unit, as explained on the Infectious Diseases page. The number of cryptosporidiosis cases in Simcoe Muskoka varies between a few to 15 cases per year. In 2006, there was an increase in cryptosporidiosis cases in Simcoe Muskoka and surrounding health units. Local and provincial experts could not find any common exposures during this time period. One contributing factor may be the multiple heavy rainfalls in the spring and summer of 2006, which can increase the concentration of cryptosporidium parasites in lakes where people swim and unintentionally swallow water.

Provincial definitions classify cases as confirmed, probable or suspect based on clinical and/or laboratory diagnostic criteria. The provincial case definition for cryptosporidiosis changed in April 2009 to include a definition for probable cases whereas before there was no such classification. The definitions of confirmed and probable cases from 2009 onwards are comparable to confirmed cases before 2009.

The following graph shows the incidence rate of cryptosporidiosis in Simcoe Muskoka and Ontario between 2000 and 2010.

The incidence rate in Simcoe Muskoka is more variable than the Ontario rate because it is based on smaller numbers. The Ontario rate has remained relatively stable during this time period.