At District Health Office there were reported four confirmed cases of cryptosporidium and 11 possible cases of intestinal disease in the district.
Cryptosporidiumalso known as crypto, it is caused by parasites and can spread in a variety of ways, including drinking water, eating contaminated food or when people touch their mouths with contaminated hands, according to a statement from Cape May County officials.
The disease is different from the stomach flu, which is a viral infection.
The first case was reported to the Atlantic County Department of Health on March 23, officials said Friday. Atlantic County health officials reported the case to Cape May County and identified Misty Meadows Farm in Cape May County as a “source of infection,” according to the claim.
Cape May County also reported its first case on the same day.
“The Atlantic County and Cape May County cases identified Misty Meadow Farm as a location commonly opened during the infection period. Part of the investigation was to identify possible sources of infection. Positive cases all identified Misty Meadows Farms as a place opened during the infection period, and only one- put a location that is generally a positive case, ”a Cape May County health official said in a statement.
“Following these findings, Misty Meadows Farm enthusiastically implemented all mitigation procedures requested by the Cape May County Health Department, including installing hand washing stations, installing signage, and providing visitor education,” the statement added. “As a result, the Department of Health has determined that no further action is needed, and has never met the need to close Misty Meadows Farm.”
“The county is satisfied that if guests practice safe hygiene, Misty Meadows Farm is a safe place for the community,” a Cape May County official said.
Health officials did not release additional details about the infection. Representatives from the farm could not be immediately reached for comment on Friday.
Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, which generally occur within two to 10 days of infection, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More details about it the disease is available at the CDC and New Jersey Department of Health website.
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Noah Cohen can reach in ncohen@njadvancemedia.com.
