Posted on 05/22/2017 1:33:12 PM PDT by BenLurkin
Outbreaks of a parasitic infection linked to swimming pools and water playgrounds are increasingly being reported to CDC, with twice as many outbreaks in 2016 as in 2014.
At least 32 outbreaks caused by Cryptosporidium (also known as “Crypto”) linked to swimming pools or water playgrounds in the United States were reported in 2016, compared with 16 outbreaks in 2014, according to preliminary data published today in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The parasite can spread when people swallow something that has come into contact with the feces (poop) of a sick person, such as pool water contaminated with diarrhea.
In comparison, 20 Crypto outbreaks linked to swimming were reported in 2011, 16 in 2012, and 13 in 2013. It is not clear whether the number of outbreaks has increased or whether better surveillance and laboratory methods are leading to better outbreak detection.
Crypto is the most common cause of diarrheal illness and outbreaks linked to swimming pools or water playgrounds because it is not easily killed by chlorine and can survive up to 10 days in properly treated water. Swallowing just a mouthful of water contaminated with Crypto can make otherwise healthy people sick for up to three weeks with watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting, and can lead to dehydration.
“To help protect your family and friends from Crypto and other diarrhea-causing germs, do not swim or let your kids swim if sick with diarrhea,” said Michele Hlavsa, R.N., M.P.H., chief of CDC’s Healthy Swimming Program. “Protect yourself from getting sick by not swallowing the water in which you swim.”
Prevent the spread of germs in the pool and other recreational water
Standard levels of chlorine and other pool disinfectants kill most germs within a few minutes. However, Crypto is extremely hard to kill at standard levels of pool disinfectants. CDC recommends closing pools and treating the water with high levels of chlorine, called hyperchlorination, when responding to a diarrheal incident in the water or a Crypto outbreak.
The best way to help protect yourself and others from germs that cause diarrhea is to follow these steps:
Don’t swim or let your kids swim if sick with diarrhea. If diarrhea is caused by Crypto, wait until two weeks after diarrhea has stopped to go swimming. Don’t swallow the water in which you swim. Rinse off in the shower before getting in the water to help remove any germs on your body that could contaminate the water. Take kids on bathroom breaks often, and check diapers in a diaper-changing area and not right next to the pool.
Examples of large Crypto outbreaks in the United States In 2016, Alabama, Arizona, Ohio, and other states investigated and controlled Crypto outbreaks linked to swimming pools or water playgrounds. Those outbreaks highlight the ongoing challenges that treated recreational water venues have with Crypto due to how difficult it is to kill and the small number of germs that can make people sick. Arizona identified 352 people sick with Crypto for July–October 2016, compared with no more than 62 cases for any one year in 2011–2015. Ohio identified 1,940 people sick with Crypto in 2016, compared with no more than 571 cases for any one year in 2012–2015.
Using CryptoNet for tracking cryptosporidiosis CryptoNet, launched in 2010, is the first U.S. DNA fingerprinting–based tracking system for illness caused by a parasite. The system helps states detect and control outbreaks by identifying which types of Crypto are infecting people. For example, Arizona used CryptoNet in 2016 to confirm the spread of a particular type of Crypto in multiple swimming pools in the Phoenix area.
CDC is working to upgrade CryptoNet with more advanced DNA fingerprinting techniques. Examining the results combined with information on what patients were doing before they became sick will help CDC and its public health partners develop more effective strategies to stop the spread of Crypto..
Never saw the point in pools.
Tried to walk over one in hot weather. Sank.
If you are hot, God gave us a/c. Water is for cleaning and drinking.
can someone define outbreak ?
WHO defines it as such:
A disease outbreak is the occurrence of cases of disease in excess of what would normally be expected in a defined community, geographical area or season.
If it happens in 10 states, is that 10 outbreaks ?
If it happens in 15 counties in a state, is that 15 outbreaks ?
32 outbreaks for millions of pools/ water parks in the country. I like my odds.
And an increase in outbreaks ... just as Obola’s illegal aliens, illegal children of illegal aliens, and Muslim “refugees” are brought in to the country by the millions to vote democrat in future elections.
An “increase” from 16 to 32. That’s really probably just an increase in reporting efficiency.
DO NOT GO TO PUBLIC POOLS OR WATER PARKS.....................PERIOD
.....AND FISHING..............
Cryptosporidium was one of the initial infections that killed many with HIV in the early years. IIRC, usually only sheep were infected and they were put down when they got it.
You can get this disgusting bug at the beach, too.
>>.....AND FISHING..............<<
Water harbors all kinds of life. I mean, I guess we could include lobster and the like.
But as far as direct contact goes, drinking and cleaning are the only proper uses.
The point is humans have no reason to be IN it except for research.
None at all.
I thought this article was going to be about malware at first...
Water - like out the toilet?
Well, I’ve never seen no plants grow out of no toilet.
Real swimming is great exercise.
Good point! Better to drink the Thirst Mutilator!
I'm guessing your are probably not Mike's water brother.
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