The numbers shows that Cryptosporidium parasite has caused 498 diarrhoea cases in NSW this year and 746 in Queensland in January alone and this parasite can survive in chlorinated water for many days, hence NSW health is advising those with diarrhoea to avoid swimming pools for at least two weeks to attempt to halt the outrbreak. The cases of diarrhoea reported in January alone in Queensland represents a 13-fold increase on January 2023 cases and of those, 39% were in children aged nine and uner. This parasite affects the intestine, causing diarrhoea as well as nausea, vomiting, headache, feve

The numbers shows that Cryptosporidium parasite has caused 498 diarrhoea cases in NSW this year and 746 in Queensland in January alone and this parasite can survive in chlorinated water for many days, hence NSW health is advising those with diarrhoea to avoid swimming pools for at least two weeks to attempt to halt the outrbreak.

The cases of diarrhoea reported in January alone in Queensland represents a 13-fold increase on January 2023 cases and of those, 39% were in children aged nine and uner.

This parasite affects the intestine, causing diarrhoea as well as nausea, vomiting, headache, fever and loss of appetite.

The Health Protection NSW executive director, Dr Jeremy McAnulty said that the infection was commonly acquired by swimming in and swallowing water contaminated with the parasite.

“The parasite survives for many days, even in chlorinated pools, and in the past very large outbreaks have been caused by people who had recently been infected going swimming,” Dr McAnulty said.

“Almost half of the cases reported this year had been swimming during their exposure period, and with such a high proportion of young children affected and with many schools about to hold swimming carnivals, we’re urging parents to stay alert for symptoms,” Dr McAnulty added.

The Queensland chief health officer, Dr John Gerrard said that the transmission can occur in various settings, including swimming pools, water parks, and other recreational water facilities, where water may be contaminated with faecal matter.

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