How Crypto Spreads

How it spreads

Millions of Crypto germs can be found in the poop of an infected person or animals. When other people or animals swallow Crypto germs, they can become infected.

Crypto can be found in water, food, soil and on surfaces that have been contaminated with poop containing Crypto germs. Common ways Crypto is spread include:

• Swallowing contaminated water from recreational water sites, such as in pools or lakes
• Swallowing contaminated drinks (including water) or ice
• Eating contaminated food
• Touching your mouth with contaminated hands. Hands can become contaminated by:
  • touching contaminated objects — such as toys, bathroom fixtures, clothing or shoes worn in an infected animal's environment
  • changing diapers
  • caring for an infected person
  • caring for an infected animal — such as a calf, lamb, or goat kid

• Putting a contaminated object in your mouth (e.g. a child putting a contaminated toy in their mouth)

Infectious period

Crypto can be passed in a person’s poop when their symptoms begin, and it can continue up to two weeks after their symptoms have ended. This means they can still pass the infection to others, even after their symptoms like diarrhea have stopped.

Understanding risk

People more likely to swallow contaminated water, drinks, ice, or food or those who are more likely to have contact with infected people, animals, or contaminated objects are at higher risk for infection. This includes people who:

• Travel internationally
• Swim, play, or relax in recreational water
• Are parents and other caregivers (such as childcare workers) of children ages 3–11 years
• Have contact with calves (pre-weaned cows)
• Are exposed to poop through sexual contact