ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has identified an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis associated with people who visited the Shades of Sherwood Campground in Zumbrota.
Investigators have identified three ill people so far, including one who required hospitalization.
Health officials are asking anyone who visited the camp in July, regardless of whether they became ill, to call MDH at 651-201-5794.
MDH says Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease caused by a microscopic parasite called Cryptosporidium. The illness is spread when people come into contact with fecal matter from an infected person or animal. The parasite is able to survive outside the human body for long periods of time and is highly resistant to chlorine.
Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis often include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss and low-grade fever. People typically become ill about a week after exposure, but this can range from two to 14 days. Most people recover in one to two weeks, but they will continue to shed the parasite in their stools for at least two weeks after symptoms end.
Health officials encourage anyone who experienced cryptosporidiosis symptoms, particularly if they have been at Shades of Sherwood, to contact their healthcare provider.
