Petting farm causes cryptosporidium outbreak; hygiene prevents infection

A petting farm is linked to 74 cryptosporidium infections, raising public health concerns after a child was hospitalized due to the parasite. The microscopic parasite, found in animal and human intestines, causes cryptosporidiosis, an illness with potentially dangerous symptoms. Infection often occurs through contaminated food or contact with animals, as seen in the recent outbreak. The UK Health Security Agency emphasizes that cryptosporidiosis is preventable through hygiene practices. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever, with young children being particularly vulnerable.