West U.S. sees increasing cryptosporidium outbreak

As was reported a few weeks ago, a waterborne parasite with a funny name continues to show up in Idaho. Not only have infants and young kids been banned from public swimming pools around that state, but the infections are no happening along the Rocky Mountain West area.

229 cases of the parasite have been reported in Idaho this year, up from an annual number of about 23. While 229 cases is not huge, the rise itself is. In Utah, more than 1,600 illnesses have been attributed to cryptosporidium this year.

Officials still are not sure what caused (and is causing) the outbreak. All it takes is a public place that furnishes the environment for disease spreading, and there you go. So far, water parks and the like have been suspected of being top culprits.