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(Rock Island County, IA) -- An investigation is underway after at least 12 people were sickened with probable or confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis, a gastrointestinal illness at a Rock Island County wildlife rehab facility. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are working with public health authorities in Rock Island. IDPH says it appears those who became ill had contact with raccoons at Pat’s Bandits in Hillsdale. The people are residents of Iowa and from four counties in Illinois.
Public health officials say those who were sickened had contact with raccoons at the facility while volunteering between June 22 and July 3. Anyone who experienced diarrhea in the two weeks since assisting at this wildlife facility should seek medical attention and possible testing for cryptosporidiosis.
Additional information from IDPH:
Cryptosporidiosis causes a watery diarrhea that can be intermittent over a period of weeks. It is a parasite that can be spread through feces, from animals to people, from person to person and from swimming in contaminated water.
IDPH is advising healthcare providers who treated individuals with diarrheal illness who reported volunteering at Pat’s Bandits to consider the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis. They should also alert their local health department so the local health department can follow up with the affected individuals.
Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis generally begin two to 10 days (average seven days) after infection and last one to two weeks. Most people with healthy immune systems will recover from cryptosporidiosis without treatment. Anti-diarrheal medicine might help slow down diarrhea, but a healthcare provider should be consulted before such medicine is taken.
The best way to prevent the spread of cryptosporidium in the home is by practicing good hygiene. Wash your hands at key times with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, after changing diapers, or handling animals, and before eating or preparing food, drinks, or ice.