Southeast Public Health (SEPH) is still looking into cases of cryptosporidiosis in the Kingston area and is reminding residents about how they can help prevent the spread of this gastrointestinal illness.
People get sick with cryptosporidiosis when they consume food or water that’s contaminated with the parasite Cryptosporidium. This illness can also be transmitted through contact with infected feces from humans or animals.
The health unit notes that most individuals with cryptosporidiosis recover without needing treatment, but those with weakened immune systems due to medications or health issues may have a more severe experience and need medication.
“As of Tuesday, June 2, SEPH is investigating 114 cases of the illness,” said the health unit in a press release. “The source of the illness is still under investigation. Water samples were collected from several locations throughout Kingston and at the city’s water treatment plant. All samples tested negative.”
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Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis include watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or cramps, fever and feeling very tired or weak.
The health unit mentioned that symptoms usually appear two to ten days after someone becomes infected and generally last one to two weeks.
It added that some people might start feeling better for a few days before getting sick again before finally recovering; meanwhile, others may not feel unwell at all.
“Cryptosporidiosis can spread from person to person, but there are steps that can be taken to help minimize the spread of illness in our community,” said the health unit.
The health unit recommends that if you’re experiencing symptoms of cryptosporidiosis, you should stay home while you’re sick and for at least 48 hours after your diarrhea has stopped. SEPH advises against going to work, school, child care or recreational activities.
The health unit suggests washing hands frequently with soap and water since hand sanitizer doesn’t work against cryptosporidium. It added that hands should be washed before eating or cooking as well as after using the toilet or changing diapers.
“Stay out of pools, hot tubs and splash pads if you have diarrhea,” advised the health unit. “Wait 14 days after diarrhea has stopped before swimming again. Contact a healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe or if diarrhea lasts longer than 48 hours.”
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Ticks are making Ontarians sick, now more than ever. What do we know about tick-borne illnesses in 2026?
Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis include watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or cramps, fever and feeling very tired or weak.
The health unit mentioned that symptoms usually appear two to ten days after someone becomes infected and generally last one to two weeks.
It added that some people might start feeling better for a few days before getting sick again before finally recovering; meanwhile, others may not feel unwell at all.
“Cryptosporidiosis can spread from person to person, but there are steps that can be taken to help minimize the spread of illness in our community,” said the health unit.
The health unit recommends that if you’re experiencing symptoms of cryptosporidiosis, you should stay home while you’re sick and for at least 48 hours after your diarrhea has stopped. SEPH advises against going to work, school, child care or recreational activities.
The health unit suggests washing hands frequently with soap and water since hand sanitizer doesn’t work against cryptosporidium. It added that hands should be washed before eating or cooking as well as after using the toilet or changing diapers.
“Stay out of pools, hot tubs and splash pads if you have diarrhea,” advised the health unit. “Wait 14 days after diarrhea has stopped before swimming again. Contact a healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe or if diarrhea lasts longer than 48 hours.”
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