What is Cryptosporidiosis, and can I get it from PID water?
Cryptosporidiosis is a disease of the intestinal tract caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. The disease can be spread by: drinking contaminated water; swallowing water while swimming; contact with the stool of an infected animal or person; eating contaminated undercooked foods; and hand-to-mouth transfer from contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include: watery diarrhea, headache, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, low-grade fever, or no symptoms at all. These symptoms may lead to weight loss and dehydration. There is no specific treatment for Cryptosporidiosis, however, for people with a normal immune system the disease is short term. The district’s water treatment plant was designed to remove and inactivate cysts such as the Cryptosporidium. In addition to plant design, operational procedures provide the highest quality water obtainable. In 1998 the district received an award from the California Department of Health Services for participation in the state sponsored crypto-actio
