Bexar County confirms 10 cryptosporidium cases

Bexar County health officials have confirmed 10 cryptosporidium cases and are warning residents to take extra precautions around food, water and hand hygiene this summer. San Antonio Metropolitan Health District officials said the parasite spreads through contaminated recreational water, infected animals and person-to-person contact. The advisory comes as Texas also tracks seasonal cyclospora illnesses, another parasitic infection tied more often to contaminated produce. Officials said the two illnesses can cause similar gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, cramps, nausea and dehydration. ### Why are Bexar County officials talking about pool water? Cryptosporidium is commonly spread through contaminated recreational water and is resistant to the standard chlorine used in swimming pools, News 4 San Antonio reported, citing local health officials. That is why Metro Health is telling residents not to swallow water at pools or splash pads. (news4sanantonio.com) Texas health officials say outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis are often associated with pools, water parks and splash pads. The Texas Department of State Health Services said there were 47 outbreaks tied to recreational water venues in the state from 2015 through 2024. ### What are the symptoms people should watch for? Dr. Kiran Joshi told News 4 San Antonio that cryptosporidium and cyclosporiasis can both cause watery diarrhea that can be frequent and severe. (news4sanantonio.com) The Texas Department of State Health Services lists diarrhea, nausea, fever, stomach cramps and vomiting among the most common symptoms of cryptosporidiosis. In healthy people, the illness usually lasts one to two weeks, the state says. (dshs.texas.gov) Metro Health and state officials say children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems face higher risks of complications from diarrheal illness. In people with poor immune systems, the state says cryptosporidium infection may be severe and last longer. ### Why are officials emphasizing handwashing instead of sanitizer? (news4sanantonio.com) Metro Health told residents that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against cryptosporidium. Officials said washing hands with soap and water is especially important after using the restroom, changing diapers or handling animals. (news4sanantonio.com) The Texas Department of State Health Services says the parasite is spread through stool from infected people or animals, including by touching contaminated surfaces and then putting a hand in the mouth. CDC says cryptosporidium can also spread through food, water, surfaces or dirty hands contaminated with infected human or animal feces. ### What does produce have to do with this warning? (news4sanantonio.com) Local officials told residents to wash produce thoroughly as part of the prevention guidance issued this week. Joshi said, “This is a manageable illness with very straightforward prevention steps,” adding: “Wash your hands, wash your produce.” (dshs.texas.gov) State guidance also recommends using treated water to wash fruits and vegetables when water safety is uncertain. The broader summer warning in Texas comes alongside cyclospora monitoring, which officials have linked more often to fresh produce such as cilantro, basil, mixed greens, raspberries, snow peas and green onions. (news4sanantonio.com) ### Are 10 cases unusual for this time of year? Health officials told News 4 San Antonio that the 10 reported cryptosporidium cases in Bexar County are within the normal range for this time of year. The warning was issued as part of seasonal public-health messaging on how the parasite spreads and how residents can reduce exposure. (news4sanantonio.com) San Antonio Metro Health says its epidemiology division investigates confirmed and suspected infectious disease cases reported by physicians, hospitals and medical laboratories in Bexar County. The agency’s reporting page says disease reports are accepted 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and lists a dedicated line for all other diseases. (news4sanantonio.com) ### What happens next if more cases are found? San Antonio Metro Health says it examines reported case data to determine trends and take action to prevent outbreaks in the area. CDC says CryptoNet, its national tracking system for cryptosporidium, uses DNA fingerprinting and state public-health submissions to help identify and control outbreaks and track how strains spread. (sa.gov) Texas law requires physicians, hospitals, laboratories, schools and other entities to report notifiable conditions, and the state lists cryptosporidiosis as a reportable disease. In Bexar County, those reports go through the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District as officials continue monitoring summer gastrointestinal illness cases. (dshs.texas.gov) (sa.gov)