County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Acute Communicable Disease Control
313 N. Figueroa Street, #212
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 240-7941
Fax: (213) 482-4856
Email:acdc2@ph.lacounty.gov
Have questions about things like where to go for vaccinations or
other health care
services?
Call 2-1-1.
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Cryptosporidiosis is transmitted by the fecal-oral route (for example, swallowing
contaminated recreational/untreated water, eating raw or undercooked contaminated food)
by ingestion of cysts of the parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. The usual incubation
period is 2-10 days with typical symptoms of watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and
low-grade fever; however, asymptomatic infection is also common. The symptoms last up
to 2 weeks in healthy individuals. Those who have a weakened immune system may
experience prolonged illness.
Immunocompromised individuals (e.g., HIV/AIDS patients,
cancer patients, transplant patients), young children and pregnant women are at risk
for more severe illness.
Public Health has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translation. However, no computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace traditional translation methods. If questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.