CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS can be spread by more than just water, according to Queensland Health.
The infection is caused by a gastrointestinal parasite found in humans, birds, fish, reptiles and livestock.
While the infection is commonly waterborne, it can be spread from person to person or by faecal-oral transfer. It can also be spread from animal-to-human contact, poor toilet hygiene and eating raw or contaminated food.
Symptoms include profuse watery diarrhoea, crampy abdominal pain and fever.
While there is no specific treatment, authorities say preventing infection is through hygiene and preventing the spread.
Washing hands after using the toilet and excluding ill patients from food handling are important. People with crypto should avoid swimming until 14 days after symptoms stop.