South East Public Health are investigating reported cases of a stomach virus in the Kingston area.
There have been 114 cases of cryptosporidiosis, a gastrointestinal illness caused through eating food or drinks contaminated with the parasite Cryptosporidium. The virus can also be spread from person to person, and through infected feces from people or animals.
People with cryptosporidiosis often show symptoms of watery diarrhea, nausea, cramps, vomiting, fever, or fatigue.
Public health officials say most people who have it don’t require medication. But those with weaken immune systems should seek medical attention.
They say symptoms take two to 10 days to show up and typically lasts up to two weeks. People who show symptoms should stay at home and avoid going to work, school, child care or recreational facilities, wash hands with soap and water, and stay away from pools, hot tubs, and splash pads.
More information about cryptosporidiosis can be found here.
Story by Ken Hashizume
