About a month ago, the local health unit issued a warning regarding infectious gastrointestinal illnesses due to a rise in such cases in Kingston. Today, Thursday, Jun. 4, 2026, SEPH released an update stating they are investigating over 100 local cases of cryptosporidiosis.
“Individuals become sick with cryptosporidiosis when they eat food or drink water contaminated with the parasite Cryptosporidium. The illness is also spread through contact with infected feces from people or animals,” the health unit detailed.
“Most people with cryptosporidiosis recover without treatment; however, individuals with weakened immune systems due to medications or health conditions (e. g. those undergoing cancer treatment) may experience more severe illness and require medication.”
As per the release, as of Tuesday, Jun. 2, SEPH is investigating 114 cases of this illness. The source of the infection is still being looked into, according to SEPH.
“Water samples were collected from several locations throughout Kingston and at the city’s water treatment plant. All samples tested negative,” the health unit outlined.
SEPH listed symptoms related to cryptosporidiosis:
watery diarrheanausea (feeling sick to your stomach)vomitingstomach pain or crampsfeverfeeling very tired or weak
According to SEPH, symptoms usually appear two to ten days after exposure to the parasite and typically last for one to two weeks. Some individuals might feel better for a few days but then get sick again before fully recovering. Others may not experience any symptoms at all.
Cryptosporidiosis can be transmitted from person to person, but there are steps that can be taken to help reduce its spread. The local Public Health agency provided these tips for preventing gastro illnesses:
Stay home when you are sick and for at least 48 hours after diarrhea has stopped. Do not go to work, school, childcare or recreational activities. Wash your hands often with soap and water“Hand sanitizer does not work well against some stomach illnesses. Hands should be washed before eating, cooking or feeding children and after using the toilet or changing diapers.”Stay out of pools or hot tubs if you have diarrhea“Wait two weeks after diarrhea has stopped before swimming again.”Contact a health-care provider if your symptoms are severe or diarrhea lasts for more than 48 hours
You can find more information about cryptosporidiosis on the SEPH website.
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