Fitima Garcia, a biological scientist with the Department of Health in Monroe County, joined Good Morning Keys on KeysTalk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about communicable diseases.
Some communicable diseases are waterborne and they are important to know when living in the Keys.
Garcia said, “Cryptosporidiosis, often shortened to crypto, is an illness caused by a microscopic parasite called Cryptosporidium. Crypto is one of the most common causes of waterborne disease in the United States. It’s typically spread by swallowing contaminated water, such as in pools, lakes or drinking water.”
What are the symptoms?
Garcia said, “The most common symptom for crypto is watery diarrhea, which can last one to two weeks. Other symptoms include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever, while most people recover without treatment, the illness can be more severe in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as young children, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.”
How can people protect themselves from crypto?
Garcia said, “To prevent crypto, avoid swallowing pool water or any untreated water. It’s also important to practice good hygiene, like washing hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers and before eating. Public pools should be properly chlorinated, but it’s crucial to note that Cryptosporidium is resistant to chlorine, so staying vigilant is key.”
Shigellosis is another one.
Garcia said, “Shigellosis is an infection caused by Shigella bacteria. It primarily spreads through contact with contaminated food or water or from person to person through poor hygiene practices like not washing hands properly. The symptoms include diarrhea, which may be bloody, stomach pain, fever and nausea. Symptoms usually begin one to two days after exposure, and last about five to seven days. Like crypto, shigellosis can be more severe in young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.”
Is there a treatment for shigellosis and how can people reduce their risk of that infection?
Garcia said, “Most people recover without antibiotics, but In more severe cases, antibiotics may be prescribed. To prevent shigellosis, good hand hygiene is critical. Wash hands with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and avoid preparing food while you’re sick, and thoroughly wash your fruit vegetables before eating.”
Vibriosis is yet another one.
Garcia said, “Vibriosis is an infection caused by Vibrio bacteria, which are typically found in warm coastal waters. It differs from crypto and shigellosis because it’s often linked to eating raw or undercooked seafood, particularly shellfish like oysters or through open wounds exposed to seawater. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. People with weakened immune systems, particularly those with liver disease, are at high risk of developing severe illness. In some cases, Vibrio can cause life threatening infections, especially if it enters the bloodstream or infects an open wound.”
How can we take precautions?
Garcia said, “The best way to avoid vibriosis is to cook shellfish, particularly oysters, thoroughly before eating. For those with open wounds, avoid exposing them to warm seawater. If you do come into contact with seawater, clean any wounds immediately with soap and water.”
For more information, click here: https://monroe.floridahealth.gov/