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Top 3 waterborne parasites

Summer vibes! I'm a beach addict, love boating and have a pool. I'm in the water all the time. If you've samesies, you've gotta learn about these top 3 waterborne parasites.


1. Cryptosporidium is most common in the United States. It causes watery diarrhea and other digestive upset. It's protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods and makes it very tolerant to chlorine disinfection. It comes from drinking & recreational water and it's transmissible so it can be passed on to others.


2. Giardia is the most common waterborne parasitic infection worldwide. It causes diarrhea, greasy stools that float and upset stomach. It can also induce more long term issues like growth and cognitive deficiencies, as well as chronic fatigue syndrome and IBS. This parasite lives on food, or in water that has been contaminated with infected feces. Giardia is also protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside a host body for long periods of time. Unfortunately, this also makes it tolerant to chlorine disinfection.


3. Cyclospora can result in explosive bowel movements and diarrhea. It comes from contaminated food or water contaminated with infected feces. In the US, it's commonly found in basil, cilantro, raspberries, snow peas & salad greens.



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