Cryptosporidium Leading Cause of Waterborne Illness

The CDC reported that from 2001 to 2010, Cryptosporidium (Crypto) was the leading cause of US waterborne disease outbreaks associated with recreational water. Recreational water includes swimming pools, waterparks, splash pads, drinking fountains, lakes and rivers. In 2016, despite widespread measures to eliminate waterborne illnesses, there were more than 32 outbreaks linked to Crypto in recreational pools and water parks in the US.

Crypto is a dangerous and difficult to treat parasite that is prevalent throughout the world. It is caused by animal feces that contaminate water and is then ingested by people and animals. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, fever, weight loss and can be fatal.

Protected by an outer shell, Crypto can survive for many months and is resistant to many disinfectants. Crypto is extraordinarily resistant to chlorine which enables it to survive for extended periods of time in chlorinated drinking fountains and swimming pools. In 2012, The Journal of Water and Health reported that traditional treatment technologies, such as chlorination, have limited efficacy against Crypto.

The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), a voluntary guidance document based on science and best practices, concludes that, by far, the best way to prevent Crypto outbreaks in recreational pools is with an adequately sized ozone system. Ozone disinfection splits the cryptosporidium parasite, resulting in an instant kill. Chlorine cannot penetrate the Crypto shell so is ineffective as it only disrupts reproduction but does not kill the organism.

Aclarus Ozone disinfection technology is more powerful and efficient than chlorine and UV for the treatment of waterborne cryptosporidium.