As Australians, we’re known for our love of travel and adventure, with Bali being one of our favourite destinations. However, recent reports from the WA Health Department have raised concerns about an unwelcome souvenir that some travellers are bringing home: a parasitic stomach bug known as cryptosporidiosis.
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a microscopic parasite that can wreak havoc on the human digestive system, leading to unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and a loss of appetite. For those affected, the illness can be a gruelling ordeal, often lasting up to two weeks.
The surge in cases is alarming, with a 300 per cent increase from 800 cases in 2023 to a staggering 3,200 in 2024. This year alone, 74 new cases have been reported in Western Australia, with a significant number of these cases linked to travel to Indonesia, particularly Bali.
Dr Paul Effler, acting director of the Communicable Disease Control Directorate at the Department of Health, has highlighted the ease with which this illness can spread. ‘Cryptosporidiosis is really common overseas, and you can get it from contaminated food and water when you travel. Those individuals, when they return, can transmit it to others in their household or other settings,’ he explained.
Children and young adults are particularly vulnerable, with nearly half of the new cases affecting children and a significant portion impacting those in the 30 to 39-year-old age bracket. However, Dr Effler warns that the actual number of cases is likely higher than reported, as many people may be asymptomatic or experience such mild symptoms that they never seek testing.
The increase in cases may also be tied to a return to pre-pandemic levels of activities, such as swimming in public pools. Cryptosporidiosis is notably resistant to chlorine, which means it can survive in pools and potentially infect swimmers.
While the risk of infection from swimming pools is considered low, the WA Health Department is urging the public to take preventive measures. These include regular hand washing, supervising children to ensure they wash their hands properly, washing and peeling raw vegetables and fruit, avoiding untreated water, and minimising contact with farm animals, especially young calves and lambs.
The outbreak is not confined to Western Australia. Nationally, cryptosporidiosis cases have surged, with 14,001 cases reported in 2024, marking a 276 per cent increase from the 3,717 cases in 2023. Nearly half of these cases were in children under nine years old.
To protect yourself and your loved ones, be vigilant about hygiene, particularly after travelling or visiting public places. If you experience any symptoms after returning from a trip, seek medical advice promptly.
Cryptosporidiosis is silently affecting many travellers returning from Bali, and awareness is key to prevention. Have you or someone you know encountered this parasite after a trip? Share your experience in the comments below—your story might help others stay informed and healthy.
Also read: Unwelcome arrival: Measles cases hit home in Sydney and Gold Coast
I bet that most infections come from eating “street food” !!
I nearly always eat in fairly highly popular restaurants, with many patrons !!