What is Cryptosporidium (or "Crypto")?
Crypto is a parasite that can cause watery diarrhea (that lasts a week or more), stomach cramps or pain, vomiting, and tiredness. Crypto is easily spread between people and from animals to people. You can get Crypto by:
Coming into contact with feces (poop) of a person or animal infected with Crypto and then touching your mouth.
Eating uncooked foods contaminated with (containing) Crypto.
Swallowing water contaminated with Crypto.
Symptoms usually begin within a week of infection and can last a week or more in people with healthy immune systems. Learn how to protect yourself from getting sick.