What is Cryptosporidium (the parasite that causes gastroenteritis outbreaks)?

On November 9 this year, the General Directorate of Public Health of the Government of Aragon confirmed that all microbiological parameters of the drinking water of the city of Zaragoza are suitable for human consumption. do not go

Restrictions on neighbors were also lifted.Behind these restrictions are Cryptosporidium parasite.

Cryptosporidium was also behind this summer’s outbreak of gastroenteritis in Tarazona (Zaragoza), which affected half a thousand people and seven children were infected, forcing the closure of the fountains in Valencia’s Central Park for several days. , a tiny parasite that is often looked for in routine analyses.

it’s about a protozoan Usually found in water and can pollute return foodWhen consumed by people and animals, it can enter the intestines and cause diarrhea, vomiting, or fever, and even in people who are immunosuppressed, it can affect the respiratory tract and cause more serious problems.

Check if it is exist in water For disinfection measures, there are laboratories such as Gamaser from the Global Omnium Group, the only private laboratory in Spain certified by the National Accreditation Agency (ENAC) for Cryptosporidium analysis.

“It is a protozoa that is usually found in untreated water, Juan Francisco Maestre, Global Omnium’s service director, explained that if it reaches the water network or someone ingests it, it could cause gastroenteritis. Bacteria or some turbidity in the water.

In his opinion, a “More conventional” controls Eliminating the parasite not only in water networks, but also in fountains and parks where there is some risk, would help prevent progress, although it admits it is an “uneconomical” technology.