Can cryptosporidiosis be prevented?

Can cryptosporidiosis be prevented?

People with healthy immune systems can prevent exposure to Cryptosporidium by:

• Avoiding exposure to feces, including at child care facilities and swimming pools
• Avoiding water that may be contaminated, such as hot tubs and pools
• Practicing good hand hygiene
• Practicing safer sex to make it less likely that you will be exposed to stool
• Not drinking water or using ice in countries with contaminated water supplies
• Thoroughly washing and cooking food such as vegetables or fruits
• Boiling water to kill the parasite

People with compromised immune systems or those who may be at higher risk for complications should take extra caution. They can minimize their exposure to the parasite by avoiding animals and their stool, in addition to following the recommendations listed above.