Doctor explains Cryptosporidium outbreak | Causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention

Dr O'Donovan explains key things you need to know about the parasitic infection cryptosporidium - including causes, symptoms, treatment and how to prevent it. On 15 May 2024 the UK Health Security Agency (UK HSA) confirmed an area in South Devon, UK was affected by a waterborne parasite known as cryptosporidium. It can cause diarrhoea, stomach pains, nausea or vomiting, low-grade fever and loss of appetite which can last up to two weeks. South West Water is continuing to ask residents to boil drinking water and collect free bottled water as it searches for the "root cause". A Brixham primary school has closed due to not having drinking water for pupils. What causes cryptosporidiosis? Cryptosporidiosis is caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium. Once inside your body, the parasite passes through your digestive tract and infects your intestines and stool. Anything contaminated with the infected stool can pass the infection on to other people. What are the symptoms of cryptosporidiosis? Each person may have slightly different symptoms. These are the most common symptoms: Diarrhea, Loose or watery stools, Vomiting, Weight loss, Stomach cramps, Fever. You may not have any symptoms. If symptoms do develop, they often last about 2 weeks and sometimes longer. But even if you have no symptoms, the parasite is passed in your stool for up to 2 months. During this time, you are at risk of spreading the infection to others. CONTENT AND TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction 00:50 - Symptoms of cryptosporidium 01:41 - Prevention of cryptosporidium 03:37 - Treatment of cryptosporidium RESOURCES: UK HSA: https://www.gov.uk/government/collect... European Centre for disease prevention and control: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/cryptos... Johns Hopkins information (USA): https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healt... BBC News article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c... If you are concerned about anything related to your health, see your own health provider. ************************************************************************ Connect through: YouTube:    / doctorodonovan​   TikTok: @doctorodonovan LinkedIn:   / doctorodonovan   ************************************************************************** Disclaimer: The video is intended as an educational resource only. The information within this video or on this channel isn't designed to replace professional input, so if you have any medical issues please consult a medical provider. No professional relationship is being created by watching this video. Dr. O'Donovan cannot give any individual medical advice. All information should be verified for accuracy by the individual user. Dr O'Donovan accepts no responsibility for individual interpretation of data, although it is always accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time of the video being published. This is an EDUCATIONAL video. Images are used in accordance with fair use guidelines. Legal information: Content provided via YouTube is for general information purposes ONLY. Information videos are not produced to provide individualised medical advice. Medical education videos on Doctor O'Donovan are not a substitute for professional professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. NEVER ignore professional medical advice because of something you have heard here. ALWAYS consult your doctor regarding any concerns about your condition or treatment.