The Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County, in the panhandle, temporarily closed the Navarre Park Splash Pad, 8513 Navarre Parkway in Navarre, after a confirmed exposure to Cryptosporidium was reported.
The splash pad will remain closed until Tuesday, July 14.
The closure is out of an abundance of caution to allow the splash pad to undergo a thorough disinfection process recommended by the Florida Department of Health.
Residents who recently visited the splash pad do not need to take any immediate action unless they develop symptoms. The most common symptom is diarrhea, which can begin several days after exposure and may last for up to two weeks or longer. Anyone experiencing persistent diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
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Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease caused by the Cryptosporidium parvum parasite, also referred to as “crypto.” Crypto lives in the intestine of infected animals and humans and is passed through stool.
It spreads when someone comes into contact with infected feces and then touches their mouth, usually with unwashed hands. In addition, Crypto is spread by swallowing water that has been contaminated with poop containing the parasite.
Some people with cryptosporidiosis do not have symptoms, but most people will have watery diarrhea. Other symptoms can include fever, nausea, vomiting, belly pain, and weight loss. Symptoms usually begin two to 10 days after becoming infected and can last one to two weeks.
Most people with healthy immune systems will recover without treatment. Dehydration, caused by diarrhea, is the most common complication.
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