Parasitic diseases on the rise in Caldwell County – WSOC TV
CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. — Health officials are seeing an increase in illnesses caused by microscopic parasites in Caldwell County.
The disease, called cryptosporidiosis or “crypto,” is caused by a microscopic parasite called Cryptosporidium.
Parasites can be found on surfaces, hands, and in food and water that have come into contact with the feces of infested humans or animals.
Health officials say symptoms of the infection begin two to 10 days after infection. The most common symptom is watery diarrhea, which usually lasts one to two weeks.
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The best way to prevent the spread of disease is to wash your hands thoroughly. Health officials said alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against the virus and stressed the importance of hand washing.
The times when you should always wash your hands are as follows:
- after going to the toilet
- Before preparing, eating, or drinking food
- After taking off dirty clothes and shoes
- After touching an animal or its habitat
- After leaving the animal area
When washing your hands, remember the following:
- Wet your hands with clean running water.
- Apply soap.
- Rub your hands together to create a lather and wash the backs of your hands, between your fingernails, and under your fingernails thoroughly.
- Rub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Wash your hands.
- Dry your hands using a clean paper towel or let them air dry. Do not try on clothing directly.
(See below: Authorities arrest man suspected of knife attack in Caldwell County)
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