(CNN) Health officials are asking Americans to take precautions over reports that "crypto," a fecal parasite that can be transmitted via swimming pools, is on the rise. It causes cryptosporidiosis, which can leave healthy adults suffering from "profuse, watery diarrhea" for as long as three weeks. "The number of treated recreational water-associated outbreaks caused by cryptosporidium drives the summer seasonal peak in both waterborne cryptosporidiosis outbreaks and cryptosporidiosis outbreaks overall," according to a statement from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Though it's almost never fatal, one death has been reported since 2009, according to the CDC. JUST WATCHED Why swimming may be the perfect exercise Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Why swimming may be the perfect exercise 01:21Read More

Source: CNN June 30, 2019 14:48 UTC