Authorities are currently investigating to determine the cause of illness among volunteers at a wildlife rehabilitation facility in Quad Cities. Over the past few weeks, the Illinois Department of Public Health has reported an outbreak of cryptosporidiosis, a gastrointestinal disease.
Pat’s Bandits in Hillsdale has been linked to at least 12 confirmed or probable cases of the disease among individuals who had contact with raccoons.
According to public health officials, individuals who had contact with raccoons from June 22nd to July 3rd, including residents from both Illinois and Iowa, have reported illnesses. If you have had diarrhea within two weeks of volunteering during this time, it is recommended that you get tested immediately.
The definition of the disease, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, is as follows:
Cryptosporidiosis causes a watery diarrhea that can be intermittent over a period of weeks. It is a parasite that can be spread through feces, from animals to people, from person to person and from swimming in contaminated water.
If you contract this disease, you can expect symptoms to appear within 2–10 days after infection and last for about two weeks. Fortunately, individuals with a strong immune system can typically recover without treatment. However, if you experience symptoms such as diarrhea, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any anti-diarrhea medicine. It is advisable to practice good hygiene and wash your hands after handling animals, as this disease is one of the reasons why officials recommend it.
Located in Rock Island County, Pat’s Bandits is a wildlife rehabilitation center with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release animals back into their natural habitat, as stated on their website.
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