The emerging recognition of cryptosporidium as a health hazard.

Cryptosporidium is the leading cause of waterborne disease in the United States. Cryptosporidiosis occurs as a result of this pathogen and is potentially fatal to the immunosuppressed population. Current water treatment standards will not eradicate the pathogen, resulting in a potential public health hazard. Congress recently passed legislation addressing cryptosporidium, and health policies are pending approval with strong support from the Centers for Disease Control. The implication for community health nursing is that nurses should take on expanded roles as social, political, and economic advocates and educators to support community actions to eradicate this pathogen.