Tests show drinking water is not spreading parasitic illness

Cryptosporidiosis, a parasitic illness that causes diarrhea, is not being spread through drinking water, according to tests of the community's municipal supply by the Southern Nevada Water Authority.

J.C. Davis, spokesman for the water authority, said Sunday extensive testing was done in the wake of a public health advisory Friday by the Southern Nevada Health District.

The health district, noting that at least seven Clark County residents have been diagnosed in recent weeks with the parasitic illness, warned that there could be a possible local outbreak of the waterborne illness also known as crypto.

Cryptosporidiosis, which isn't considered deadly but spawns symptoms that include fever, abdominal pain, weight loss and dehydration, can be caused by ingesting water contaminated with the parasite. Common sources include swimming pools, Jacuzzis, streams, lakes and rivers.

Although the parasite is common in lakes and rivers, Davis said the water authority's treatment facilities utilize a process called ozonation, designed to provide increased protection from waterborne pathogens.

All of the samples analyzed for the parasite have been negative, Davis said.

The parasite is passed in the stool of infected people and animals.

People often get the illness when they swallow the parasites found in poorly cooked food and water.

Symptoms usually appear one to 12 days after exposure and can last up to three weeks.

There is no drug to treat the illness but health care providers do treat the symptoms.

Washing hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before and after handling or eating food helps to prevent the spread of the illness, health officials say.