Kingston parasite outbreak shows early signs of decline

Public health officials in the Kingston, Ontario area say a parasite outbreak appears to be slowing, although the source has not yet been found. Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health has reported 125 cases tied to the outbreak, including 115 confirmed infections and 10 probable cases. Officials said the most recent symptom onset was June 1. The outbreak is linked to cryptosporidium, a parasite that can spread through contaminated water or food, or through close contact with an infected person. Health officials say they have not identified a common source, but they are seeing a small decline in new reports. Residents with symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever or stomach pain are being told to stay away from public water facilities and seek medical care if symptoms worsen or dehydration develops.