Published 5 March 2024
Following a recent increase in cryptosporidiosis cases across the state, NSW Health is advising the community not to swim for at least two weeks after they’ve had diarrhoea.
What is Cryptosporidiosis?
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.
How do you contract Cryptosporidiosis?
The disease is commonly acquired by swimming in and swallowing water contaminated with cryptosporidium parasites.
The parasite can survive for several days, even in chlorinated pools, leading to past major outbreaks triggered by infected individuals swimming.
Nearly half of this year's 498 cases (compared to the 5-year average of 95 cases for the same time period) have involved swimming during the exposure period.
Given the significant impact on young children and upcoming school swimming events, parents are strongly advised to remain vigilant for symptoms.
Health advice
People who have had diarrhoea should:
- avoid swimming for at least two weeks after your symptoms resolve
- avoid sharing towels for at least two weeks after your symptoms resolve
- avoid handling food for at least 48 hours after your symptoms resolve
- children who have diarrhoea should be kept home from preschool, childcare or playgroup until 24 hours after the diarrhoea has completely stopped.
To avoid catching cryptosporidiosis:
- avoid swimming in estuaries and inland waterways (e.g. rivers, creeks, dams) during and for at least three days after heavy rain
- avoid swimming at ocean beaches during and for at least one day after heavy rain
- avoid swallowing water when swimming
- wash your hands thoroughly 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
- do not drink untreated water (for example, from lakes or streams). Boiling water by bringing to a rolling boil is sufficient to kill Cryptosporidium.
More information on cryptosporidiosis is available on the NSW Health website.