How to Avoid Two Types of Explosive Diarrhea

If you’re a fan of explosive diarrhea, summer is a great time to catch it. Between cryptosporidiosis , which can survive in chlorinated pools, and cyclosporiosis, which has recently infected at least 20 people in an outbreak linked to contaminated broccoli , you have many opportunities.

A crypto parasite that can spread in swimming pools

I am not suggesting that we all avoid swimming pools. Pools are a great way to beat the heat, have fun, learn how to swim, and more. But I beg you not to go to the pool if you have recently had diarrhea.

The chlorine in swimming pools kills most of the infectious germs that get in there. But Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite with a protective outer shell. It can survive in chlorinated pools long enough to infect humans, and is also not easily killed with hand sanitizer. The disease it causes is called cryptosporidiosis.

The CDC says that if you test positive for cryptocurrency, you should stay away from pools for two weeks . A recent case study of a swim team found that the parasite had spread from one team (where 19 out of 50 participants got sick) to members of two different teams they competed against. The participants felt well enough to compete but were still contagious.

The CDC also asks you not to poop in pools, not to swallow pool water, and to check baby swim diapers every hour to avoid the spread of diarrheal disease.

Cyclosporia can be transmitted through food or water

Despite the similar name, Cyclospora (causes cyclosporiosis) is a completely different type of diarrhea-causing microscopic parasite that tends to spread during the summer. The CDC says reported cases peak in June and July. There have already been over 200 cases this year. One cluster in Georgia and Alabama was associated with raw broccoli ; the rest for unknown reasons.

The Cyclospora parasite has a life cycle that is only partially completed in the human body. After diarrhea, the parasites must mature (“spore”) before they can infect others. This takes several weeks. Thus, you cannot transfer the parasite directly to another person, as is possible with cryptography.

Instead, the parasite tends to reach its victims through contaminated food or water. Past outbreaks of cyclosporiosis have been linked to raspberries, basil, snow peas, mesclun lettuce and cilantro. Obviously, you should avoid drinking water that may have been contaminated with human feces. The CDC also recommends washing food (including using a scouring brush for hard foods like potatoes) and quickly chilling cut fruits and vegetables.