Washington County Public Health states that there is a Crypto outbreak in Iowa and warns residents to not consume unpasteurized products. Crypto is a disease caused by a parasite that results in watery diarrhea and sometimes includes nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and low grade fever, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health. Washington County Public Health Director, Danielle Pettit-Majewski explains that it is commonly contracted in recreational water, like pools, but is spread through fecal-oral transmission.
She adds that it is illegal to sell unpasteurized products in the state of Iowa and Washington County is not currently investigating any cases of Crypto. The pasteurization process would heat products and make them safe, according to the Center for Disease Control.
Anyone who may have the disease is encouraged to contact their doctor and Washington County Public Health.