What is cryptosporidiosis?

What is cryptosporidiosis?

Cryptosporidiosis is an infection resulting from exposure to parasites called Cryptosporidium. The parasite is common in the digestive tracts of humans and animals.

People become infected when they eat or drink contaminated water or food. Infection also can spread from person to person.

For most people, cryptosporidiosis causes manageable symptoms. Symptoms often go away without treatment. But crypto symptoms may cause life-threatening complications for some people. People with weakened immune systems, infants, young children, and pregnant women should take extra care.