Salt Lake Valley Health Department
Quick Links | Clinics | File a Report | FAQ | Contact Us
Newsroom
News Releases
Additional Resources for Media
No Crypto Campaign
The Situation
During the latter half of 2007, Utah experienced a large community-wide outbreak of cryptosporidiosis - a disease that causes severe and debilitating diarrhea and can last for 2 weeks or more - with the majority of cases reported in Salt Lake County.
Statewide over 1,900 people became infected with cryptosporidium (more commonly known as crypto) making the 2007 outbreak the largest in the country that year and one of the largest outbreak in U.S. history.
The Campaign
The No Crypto campaign was conceived of in early 2008 to reduce the number of crypto cases from 2007 and to minimize the impact of another possible crypto outbreak on the community.
Knowing that the public must act as a partner in the prevention of another outbreak of crypto , the Salt Lake Valley Health Department developed effective strategies to educate the general public about cryptosporidium - the parasite, the illness and the impact on public health.
The Components
Crypto Awareness Commercials
Newspapers in Education insert (3.1 MB)
Educational Materials (including posters, handouts and signage)
Targeted outreach to pool operators and related groups
The Commercials
One of the most important components of the Keep it Clean - No Crypto Campaign involved the creation of two original public awareness commercials.
Opening Time emphasized the role that the public must play in preventing another outbreak, including not swimming for two weeks since you've had diarrhea, washing with soap and water before swimming and never changing diapers by the side of the pool.
Ladykiller focused on communicating the memorable message: do not swim for two weeks if you have had diarrhea.