Swimmers in Victoria have been issued an urgent health warning after gastro cases exceeded the five-year average.
There have been 87 confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis, also known as crypto, as of Friday according to the state’s health department.
The latest health warning comes after Victoria detected a record 2,349 crypto cases in 2024 – a 233 per cent increase from cases in 2023.
Cases of cryptosporidiosis usually increase during periods of warm weather.
The disease is spread through physical contact with an infected person or when accidently contaminated water is swallowed in a swimming pool.
The most common systems of the illness are watery diarrhoea and stomach cramps, which can last for several weeks.
Others symptoms include fever, vomiting and a loss of appetite.
Health officials have urged anyone who has experienced diarrhoea to avoid swimming in public pools for at least two weeks.
Swimmers in Victoria have been urged to stay away from public pools after cases of a contagious gastro disease hit a record high this summer
There have been 87 confirmed cases of the infectious disease as of Friday
The disease can also be passed on when contaminated food is consumed and when infected animals are petted.
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a parasite known as cryptosporidium.
Frustratingly, the organism is highly resistant to chlorine which is commonly used to disinfect the water in public swimming pools.
While there is no specific treatment or medicine for cryptosporidiosis, people are advised to drink uncontaminated water to prevent dehydration.
Preventative measures such as practicing good personal hygiene by washing hands regularly using soap are also encouraged.
Patients are also advised not to prepare or handle food that other people may eat until at least 48 hours after their diarrhoea has stopped.
