Prevention

Washing hands is the most effective means of preventing cryptosporidiosis. To avoid becoming infected, follow these precautions:

1. Practice good hygiene (hand washing).
2. Avoid water that might be contaminated.
3. If you are unable to avoid using or drinking water that might be contaminated, then you can make the water safe to drink by boiling it or filtering it.
4. Avoid food that might be contaminated.
5. Take extra care when traveling.
6. Avoid fecal exposure during sexual activity.

For people with weakened immune systems, sex, including oral sex, that involves possible contact with stool should be avoided. Immunocompromised individuals should also avoid the stool of all animals and wash their hands thoroughly after any contact with animals or the living areas of animals. Immunocompromised persons may also wish to wash, peel, or cook all vegetables and to take extra measures, such as boiling or filtering their drinking water, to ensure its safety.

Control

Cryptosporidium can be very contagious. Infected individuals should follow these guidelines to avoid spreading the disease to others:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, after changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.
Note:
You may not be protected in a chlorinated recreational water venue (e.g., swimming pool, water park, splash pad, spray pad) because Cryptosporidium is chlorine-resistant and can live for days in chlorine-treated water.
2. Do not swim in recreational water if you have cryptosporidiosis and for at least 2 weeks after the diarrhea stops. You can pass Cryptosporidium in your stool and contaminate water for several weeks after your symptoms have ended. You do not even need to have a fecal accident in the water. Infected people may have Cryptosporidium on their skin in the anal and genital areas, including thighs and buttocks. Therefore immersion in the water may wash the parasites off the body. As a result of infected people swimming, many outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis among recreational water users have occurred.
3. Avoid sexual practices that might result in oral exposure to stool (e.g., oral-anal contact).
4. Avoid close contact with anyone who has a weakened immune system.
5. Exclude children with diarrhea from child care settings until the diarrhea has stopped.