A nasty stomach bug is making waves in Western Australia, and guess what? It’s got a direct link to our favorite holiday spots in Indonesia!
Here’s what you need to know about this unwelcome tourist.
What’s This Bug All About?
It’s called cryptosporidiosis (crypto for short), and it’s caused by a tiny troublemaker – a parasite that sneaks into your system and throws a party in your gut.
And not the fun kind!
Think stomach cramps, nausea, and plenty of bathroom runs that can last up to two weeks.
The Numbers Are Scary!
Hold onto your hats – WA has seen a massive 300% jump in cases! We’re talking about going from 800 cases in 2023 to a whopping 3,200 in 2024.
Already this year, 74 new people have caught this unwanted souvenir.
Who’s Getting Hit the Hardest?
- Kids are top of the list
- Adults in their 30s are next in line
- And here’s the kicker – experts think there are way more cases out there that haven’t been reported!
The Bali Connection
According to WA Health, 1 in 5 cases are coming straight from overseas trips, with Indonesia being the number one source. Thinking about that Bali getaway? You might want to read on!
Why Is This Happening Now?
Dr. Paul Effler from WA Health says we’re seeing more cases because:
- We’re traveling more post-COVID
- People are back to swimming in public pools
- The bug is super tough – even chlorine can’t kill it!
How to Stay Safe
Want to dodge this unwanted holiday companion? Here are the must-do’s:
- Wash those hands like you mean it
- Make sure the kids do too
- Give fruits and veggies a good clean
- Skip the untreated water
- Keep your distance from farm animals
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just a WA problem – Australia-wide numbers are through the roof! We’ve jumped from 3,717 cases in 2023 to 14,001 in 2024. And nearly half of these are hitting our little ones under nine.
Stay safe and travel smart, folks!