Personal Injury Law

State health department warns about illness

PIERRE - The state health department is warning South Dakotans to protect themselves from cryptosporidiosis, an intestinal illness that is increasing across the nation.

The disease is caused by a microscopic parasite called Cryptosporidium, and outbreaks in the past have been linked to contaminated recreational water such as swimming pools and waterparks. There has been no specific common exposure in the South Dakota cases.

"We've reported 108 cases of cryptosporidiosis so far this year, which is up considerably from the five-year median of 31 cases a year," said Lon Kightlinger, state epidemiologist. "Several of our neighboring states are also seeing increases in crypto."

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Full post as published by Cryptosporidium Blog on September 17, 2007 (boomark / email).