News : Crypto, heat present some summer health risks in Iowa, Benton County area

The weather and the water are two of the main health hazards facing Iowa for the next few weeks, said Benton County Public Health Director Nancy Farmer. Most Iowans are well-aware of the heat and humidity that affects most of the state for much of the summer months, particularly August. "We are getting to the part of summer where electrical bills are getting higher, but it's not safe to not run air conditioners," said Farmer. Along with finding a cool place during the hottest times, residents are reminded to take frequent breaks while working in the heat, and to make sure to drink plenty of water. Another more recent summer health concern is cryptosporidium, a parasite that lives in some water sources. The parasite causes severe diarrhea that can last one to three weeks, and can be life-threatening to people who have other health problems. "Iowa has had an increase in crypto over last three years," said Farmer. "Swimming pools and recreational places — ponds, small lakes and even some rivers can be infected. If the parasite gets into a person's mouth, it ends up in the digestive system. "You will get rid of it on your own," said Farmer. But for the week or two —or possibly three — a person with the crypto parasite will experience severe diarrhea. The crypto is not killed by chlorine; if a pool or pond is infected with crypto, the only safe response is to close it for a period of time. "If you are not feeling well, do not go into water," advises Farmer. There have been some small outbreaks of crypto in Iowa, but only a few isolated cases in Benton County, said Farmer.