Kingston Sees Possible Decline in Parasite Cases

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Health officials report that a parasite outbreak in the Kingston, Ont., area might be starting to decline, with new cases showing a downward trend two weeks after residents were first notified.

Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health confirmed 125 cases related to the outbreak, which includes 115 laboratory-confirmed infections and 10 probable cases. The last reported onset of symptoms was June 1.

Even though case numbers are rising, officials have yet to find a common source.

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The outbreak is due to cryptosporidium, a tiny parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water or through close contact with an infected individual.

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“There have still been no links identified that tie all cases together,” said Dr. Ethan Toumishey, the region’s deputy medical officer of health.

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Health officials are cautiously hopeful that things are improving, noting a slight drop in new reports. However, they still emphasize staying alert as summer begins and more people use recreational water facilities.

Cryptosporidium can resist chlorine, which means it can survive in swimming pools, hot tubs, and splash pads if extra precautions aren’t taken.

Officials recommend anyone experiencing symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or stomach pain should stay away from public water facilities to prevent further spread.

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“When people are having active diarrhea, it’s very important that they are not using recreational water sources,” Toumishey said.

The City of Kingston stated its aquatic facilities already have safety measures in place and those protocols remain unchanged. In a statement, the city mentioned its indoor pools use both chlorine and ultraviolet disinfection methods effective against deactivating the parasite.

Public health officials urge residents to seek medical attention if symptoms become severe or if dehydration occurs.

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