INDIANAPOLIS — Marion County has already had more than a dozen cases of a nasty parasite this year, but that number isn't unusually high.
Curt Brantingham with the Marion County Health Department says they have had 18 "confirmed or probable" cases of Crypto so far this year, which is a little higher than normal. This time last year, the health department reported eight cases, "but the number for this year is within what could be expected."
Brantingham says they have no way to know exactly where those who were diagnosed with the parasite came in contact with it, but there is no place that's an immediate danger to the public. He says 18 cases is not unusually high or at an outbreak level and the numbers should just be used as a reminder to take precautions.
"There's no reason to avoid the swimming pool this summer," Brantingham said. "It's important for people to be aware and take precautions for everyone to stay healthy while swimming."
According to CDC, Cryptosporidum, also known as 'Crypto,' is spread by “Fecal-oral transmission" which "can occur by ingestion of contaminated recreational water, drinking water, or food, or through contact with infected persons or animals.”
The CDC says the leading causes of Crypto are swallowing contaminated water in pools or water playgrounds, contact with infected cattle and contact with infected people in child care settings.
"This is why the CDC ramps up public education during the summer, especially during swim season," Brantingham said.
For more information and for water safety tips visit the CDC Healthy Swimming page.
