A reminder from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services urges Michiganders to use caution when handling livestock due to a parasitic outbreak.
Residents in Livingston, Ingham, and Oakland counties have shown signs of cryptosporidiosis caused by the Cryptosporidium parasite. To date, there have been a total of 12 people between the ages of 19 and 56 who showed signs of diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea along with other related symptoms between November 15 – 21.
The illness is spread via animal stool from infected livestock, and animals may be infected even if they show no symptoms. Individuals may come into contact with the parasite by petting or handling sick animals which then enters the person via contaminated hands, so handwashing immediately after is important.
If you or someone you know begins to experience symptoms please contact a physician immediately.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
