IDPH, DNR and Rock Island Area Health Authorities are Investigating Gastrointestinal Disease that has Sickened at Least 12 Visitors to Wildlife Rehab Facility

IDPH, DNR and Rock Island Area Health Authorities are Investigating Gastrointestinal Disease that has Sickened at Least 12 Visitors to Wildlife Rehab Facility

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are working with public health authorities in Rock Island and Iowa to investigate an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis, a gastrointestinal disease, in persons helping at a Rock Island County wildlife rehabilitation facility. Public health officials said at least 12 individuals have been identified with probable or confirmed disease following contact with raccoons at Pat's Bandits in Hillsdale. The people are residents of Iowa and from four counties in Illinois.

Public health officials said 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.

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.