CAUTION YOUR FAMILIES ABOUT SWIMMING POOL DISEASES

Reports of gastrointestinal illness from use of public pools and water parks have risen sharply in recent years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The leading culprit is a microscopic organism that lives in human feces.

The CDC is increasingly documenting cases of "gastrointestinal illness from use of public pools and water parks," noting that a "microscopic organism that lives in human feces" appears to be at the center of the trend. "Called cryptosporidium, it is a parasite transmitted in an egg-like shell that can survive as long as 10 days even in chlorinated water." And "in 2007, the last year for which statistics are available, it was responsible for 31 recreational water outbreaks involving 3,726 people...up from seven outbreaks and 567 people in 2004." Although officials are not clear as to why this rise is taking place, CDC epidemiologists have pointed out that "detection and reporting had probably improved since a treatment for the diarrheal illness -- called cryptosporidiosis, or crypto for short -- became available in 2002." Furthermore, "the recent large outbreaks, she said, have raised awareness and led to better reporting."

Called cryptosporidium, it is a parasite transmitted in an egglike shell that can survive as long as 10 days even in chlorinated water. In 2007, the last year for which statistics are available, it was responsible for 31 recreational water outbreaks involving 3,726 people, according to the disease centers — up from 7 outbreaks and 567 people in 2004. One of the largest recent crypto outbreaks occurred in Utah in 2007. There were 2,000 confirmed cases, but that number vastly underestimates the illness’s total impact.

COMMENT:
People should not swim or allow their children to swim when they have diarrhea. The water you swim in is shared with everyone, so what one swimmer does has consequences for all the swimmers.

The symptoms of crypto resemble those of food poisoning. Though most cases clear up on their own, the illness can require hospitalization, particularly in small children and people with weakened immune systems.

In addition to not swimming while ill with diarrhea, health experts say people should shower before swimming and never use the pool as a toilet. Parents should wash young children before they enter the pool and take them on frequent bathroom breaks. Children in diapers require vigilant attention.


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