The number of Crypto cases in Iowa and Washington County has risen. As of last week, there were 399 confirmed cases in the state and 195 addtional cases under investigation. Washington County now has 3 cases. Crypto is a parasitic illness that causes watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and low grade fever. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, many who become ill with Crypto reported swimming pools and some in lakes or rivers.

For a complete list of cases per county click here.

The IDPH reminds people to protect others by not swimming if you are experiencing diarrhea and if diagnosed with crypto do not swim for at least two weeks. To keep swimming safe follow the tips below:
– Do not swallow water in your mouth.
– Thoroughly wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
– Shower yourself and your child before swimming.
– Change diapers in a bathroom, not at the poolside.
– Take your kids on bathroom breaks and check swim diapers often.

It is also important to:
– Wash hands before preparing or eating food; after using the toilet; after changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet; and before and after caring for someone who is ill with diarrhea.
– To reduce the risk of disease transmission, children with diarrhea should be excluded from child care settings until the diarrhea has stopped.