Maricopa County Department of Public Health officials are investigating an outbreak of Cryptosporidium, a diarrheal illness caused by a parasite Cryptosporidium parvum, and are advising the public to take precautions to further prevent the spread of this disease.

Public health officials said 19 cases were reported in July. Five of those initial cases have been linked to recreational water facilities.

While officials said some people with Crytosporidium show no symptoms, the most common symptom to be on the lookout for is watery diarrhea usually beginning 2-10 days from infection.

Some other symptoms include stomach cramps, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, fever and weight loss.

While chlorine typically kills most germs in swimming pools, this disease can survive even in properly chlorinated waters for long periods of time.