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Cryptosporidium is a protozoan transmitted by oocysts via the fecal-oral route. The organism is common in cattle and sheep; transmission to humans can occur through consumption of contaminated food or water or contact with infected animals.
Of 22 veterinary students who attended a training session in their university's bovine obstetrics laboratory in February 2015, 16 reported symptoms compatible with Cryptosporidium infection: diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, anorexia, headache, and chills or sweats. The five students first reported to be ill developed symptoms within 7 days after exposure (typical latency period, 2–10 days).
Because calves are a known source of infection, cryptosporidiosis was suspected with the first …