SAN ANTONIO – After months of rainy weather, area swimming pools are swarming with kids and their parents, but also potentially with a nasty parasite that the Centers for Disease Control is worried about.
In a new report published in the journals "Morbidity" and "Mortality Weekly Report", it is suggested that outbreaks in swimming pools of the parasite cryptosporidium are increase each year.
It's a diarrhea-causing parasite that is commonly transmitted in water in pools, lakes, ponds and other recreational water. The CDC reports that from 2011 to 2012, there were nearly twice as many outbreaks linked to what is referred to as "crypto" for short. The parasite causes an assortment of uncomfortable symptoms which are noticeable two or more days after contact is made. It might be mistaken for food poisoning because the symptoms are so similar, so it is difficult to get good reporting numbers on the actual cases.
Dr. Jaime Zapata, an infectious disease specialist with University Hospital said, "It affects your stomach. You're going to have cramps, vomiting, fever, dehydration. So be aware if you are going to the swimming pool, shower after."
That's good advice, but the CDC is also recommending everyone shower before swimming as well. Incidentally, University Hospital has not received one confirmed case of crypto yet this year.
Because chlorine and filters are ineffective against cryptosporidium in pools the first line of defense to avoid contamination is to make sure the recreational water you plan to enjoy has not been used by someone with diarrhea or vomiting recently. That may be easier in your private pool than in a community area, but many public pool areas have strict rules regarding swimming while sick.
As well, parents of small children have an important responsibility in this regard as well.
Dr. Zapata advised, "If you have a child who is less than 2 years old, take him to the bathroom quite often, change the diaper and be aware that the child could do something in the swimming pool."
If it's suspected they have voided in the pool, parents should notify the manager immediately so that the water can be quarantined. Most pools will be drained and disinfected to reduce the contamination risk. Ultraviolet light as well as ozone is the only other way to neutralize the water immediately. The protozoa may live in the water for approximately 10 days.
For more information on cryptosporidium, click here.