The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a report highlighting the dangerous risks involved with public swimming pools. Millions of kids around the nation clamor to these community staples to avoid the wicked heat of the summer, but how safe is it? Over a researched year between 2011-2012, the CDC received information from Puerto Rico and 32 states. There they discovered dozens of pool water outbreaks that led to over 1,700 cases, 95 hospitalizations and even one tragic death. What is the cause of the outbreaks?
The CDC reports the largest percentage of cases (77 percent) stemmed from public pools that were labeled as “treated recreational water.” The next highest percentage (52 percent) stemmed from exposure to Cryptosporidium in the water.
What is Cryptosporidium?
This is a waterborne disease stemming directly from recreational waters, like pools, fountains, lakes, streams and even ponds. The water may become contaminated from animals or humans who excrete feces or runoff sewage. This germ, also known by its shortened form Crypto, can cause diarrhea in adults and children. Even in the most chlorinated pools, the germ can survive for several days. It is especially daunting for pregnant women and young children, causing bouts of diarrhea to last for days.
Precautions
It is advisable parents remain vigilant of small children in public pools. It is recommended to never enter a public body of water if one has an illness, like a stomach flu or diarrhea. In addition, it is suggested to shower before entering the pool area, and never to release bodily fluids like urine, spit or poop in the water. Finally, it is strongly recommended to never consume pool water, even in jest. Drinking plenty of fresh water and leaving the pool area once an hour can also reduce the chances of acquiring this germ.
Other Associated Outbreaks
Crypto is an issue, but so is untreated pool water which created illness in 23 percent of the involved cases. Additionally, 33 percent of the cases reported an affliction of Escherichia coli (E. coli). The pathogen is chlorine-resistant and can spread, especially if cities and those responsible for the water do not actively monitor the pH and disinfectant levels.
Precautions
It is important parents and guardians explain to their children the importance of washing their hands with soap and water. Singing a tune like Mary Had a Little Lamb or Row Row Your Boat three times each can build habit-forming healthy traditions, and stave off germs. Discuss the concerns of pH and disinfectant levels with city leaders and confirm tests show a reduction of these waterborne diseases.
Taking a shower to remove as much dirt as possible is suggested, and non-potty trained kids should not only wear water resistant swim diapers but rubber pants to control the spread of any fecal materials. The CDC states the report touches on a limited aspect of review, and may not include the total incidents not reported to their agency.