How Crypto Spreads

How it spreads

Crypto germs infect the small intestines of people and animals. Millions of Crypto germs can be found in the poop of an infected person or animals. When other people or animals swallow Crypto germs, they can become infected.

Crypto can be found in water, food, soil, and on surfaces that have been contaminated with poop containing Crypto germs. Common ways Crypto is spread include:

• Swallowing contaminated water from recreational water sites, such as in pools or lakes
• Swallowing contaminated drinks (including water) or ice
• Eating contaminated food
• Touching your mouth with contaminated hands. Hands can become contaminated by:
  • touching contaminated objects — such as toys, bathroom fixtures, clothing or shoes worn in an infected animal's environment
  • changing diapers
  • caring for an infected person
  • caring for an infected animal — such as a calf, lamb, or goat kid

• Putting a contaminated object in your mouth

Infectious period

A person starts shedding Crypto in their poop when their symptoms, such as diarrhea, begin. Two weeks after their diarrhea or other symptoms have resolved, they are no longer infectious.

Understanding risk

People more likely to swallow contaminated water, drinks, ice, or food or those who are more likely to have contact with infected people, animals, or contaminated objects are at higher risk for infection. This includes people who:

• Travel internationally
• Swim, play, or relax in recreational water
• Are parents and other caregivers (such as childcare workers) of children ages 3–11 years
• Have contact with calves (pre-weaned cows)
• Are exposed to poop through sexual contact