The Marion County Public Health Department wants people to know about a common parasite they should be aware of when planning water related activities this summer.

Cryptosporidium most commonly known as “Crypto” is a microscopic parasite that causes the diarrheal disease cryptosporidiosis. Nurse Judi Van Hulzen with Marion County Public Health tells KNIA/KRLS News the parasite causes diarrhea in both animals and humans and people can become ill after being in contact with animals or people that are shedding the parasite or by drinking contaminated water. Environmental Health Coordinator Cory Frank tells KNIA/KRLS News people are most common to come in contact with “Crypto” at contaminated swimming pools or other contaminated water sources. Frank says, washing your hands with soap and water can help prevent the transmission to food and says people need to shower before and after using a pool. Frank says, the safest thing is to just not drink any of the water from the contaminated pools or water sources.