What Is Cryptosporidium?
Cryptosporidium, often called “Crypto,” is a microscopic parasite that can wreak havoc in aquatic facilities. This resilient organism is one of the leading causes of recreational waterborne illness outbreaks and is notoriously difficult to eliminate due to its resistance to chlorine. Once ingested, Crypto can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, including diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting, lasting up to two weeks.
How Does Cryptosporidium Spread?
Crypto spreads when contaminated fecal matter enters the water, and swimmers inadvertently swallow infected pool water. Because it has a tough outer shell, it can survive in properly chlorinated pools for days, making traditional disinfection methods ineffective.
The Cost of an Outbreak
A Crypto outbreak can lead to devastating consequences, including:
- Facility closures and revenue loss
- Reputational damage that can impact visitor trust
- Health risks for swimmers and staff
- Expensive remediation efforts to eliminate the parasite
Symptoms and Risks: How Crypto Affects the Body
Symptoms usually last about 1 to 2 weeks (with a range of a few days to 4 or more weeks) in individuals with healthy immune systems. Occasionally, people may experience a recurrence of symptoms after a brief period of recovery before the illness ends. Symptoms can come and go for up to 30 days.
While the small intestine is the most commonly affected site, in immunocompromised individuals, Cryptosporidium infections can impact other areas of the digestive tract or respiratory system. Those with weakened immune systems may develop serious, chronic, and sometimes fatal illnesses.
How Brauer Swim Eliminates Crypto and Other Parasites
Brauer Swim offers a proactive approach to water safety, ensuring your facility remains protected against Crypto and other harmful pathogens. Unlike traditional chlorination, which is ineffective against Crypto, secondary sanitation/disinfection is the only way to eliminate it. Here’s how Brauer Swim makes your water truly safe:
Secondary Sanitation & UV Disinfection via AOP – The Effective Solution
Brauer Swim provides state-of-the-art patented AOP technology, as a proven method to eliminate Crypto and other parasites from the water. When used alongside primary sanitation systems, UV via AOP disinfection ensures protection against waterborne illnesses in public pools, resorts, and hotels.
The patented AOP technology creates hydroxyl radicals via its advanced oxidation process which is the most effective and efficient means of eliminating combined chlorine in the water, chlorine gas in the air and chlorine-resistant pathogens such as cryptosporidium and giardia.
Don’t Let Crypto Shut You Down
As seen in the news, Crypto outbreaks have forced numerous pool closures across the country. Don’t let your facility be next. Brauer Swim provides an effective solution to eliminate Crypto and keep your water clean, safe, compliant and your doors open.
