The spread of a diarrhea-causing parasite could soon spread inside Iowa schools, health officials worry.
There are now 235 confirmed cases of cryptosporidium believed to be spread through ingesting contaminated water in swimming pools.
"We've worked really hard with the pools to reduce the spread there," said Sarah Boese of the Polk County Health Department. "We've shut down a couple pools for super chlorination when we've been contacted by Polk County Public Health that there may be a possible link to crypto."
But as the pools get ready to close for the summer, health officials said we're not in the clear.
"We now are focusing on the secondary spread of cryptosporidium," said Boese.
The secondary focus is schools.
Health officials said the microscopic parasite is resistant to typical disinfectant and children can easily give it to one another by not washing their hands.
"The best way that we can reduce the spread of cryptosporidium and avoid having other people get sick in our community is to wash your hands very, very thoroughly and after using the restroom and before preparing food," said Boese.
Mother Melody Hutton said she's already teaching her son how to keep from getting sick at preschool.
"He knows a lot about germs and he thinks he can stomp on them to get rid of them, but we try to explain to him that it's soap and water and not touching all the dirty stuff," said Hutton.
Health officials said that the No. 1 rule here is that if your child has had diarrhea keep them home from school until they are better.