Cryptosporidiosis: An Illness Spread by Contaminated Pool Water—Here’s What You Need to Know
Contaminated Pool Water—”The Fourth of July is right around the corner, meaning many across the country are gearing up to go for a swim in a community pool or one in their own backyard.
However, the CDC is warning about an illness that’s on the rise and can be spread via contaminated pool water. The illness is called cryptosporidiosis, and you can pick it up by swimming in a pool contaminated by someone who had diarrhea recently. “Cryptosporidiosis – Contaminated Pool Water”
We asked an expert what you can do to protect yourself and your kids from cryptosporidiosis over the summer months and how to prevent the spread of the parasite-caused illness.
What is cryptosporidiosis?
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a parasite called Cryptosporidium. The way a person can get cryptosporidiosis is…well, less than pleasant. “It is fecal-oral transmission. Feces to oral intake is [the] number one cause,”
So, if someone who has had diarrhea for the past few days jumps into a neighborhood pool, remnants could float in the pool and infect other swimmers.
Most people who get cryptosporidiosis only get a mild form of the illness. Their symptoms might include diarrhea and some abdominal discomfort. However, some people will develop a more severe form of cryptosporidiosis, namely those with weakened immune systems (technically called “immunosuppressed”). They will experience diarrhea for longer than those who are otherwise healthy. The CDC says cryptosporidiosis-induced diarrhea can last for three weeks for immunocompromised people. “Cryptosporidiosis – Contaminated Pool Water”
In addition to picking up cryptosporidiosis in a pool, you can get the disease from cattle that carry the parasite.
You can also try the Parazitol method of removing all parasites, larvae, and eggs. Everything happens naturally, so you don’t feel any side effects.
What does the new statement say?
The CDC announced today that from 2007 to 2017, there were 444 cryptosporidiosis outbreaks. These caused 7,465 cryptosporidiosis cases, recorded in 40 states and Puerto Rico.
Moreover, the number of cryptosporidiosis cases is rising in the US. The statement says the number of outbreaks increased by about 13% each year from 2007 to 2017. However, the CDC says the rise could be due to more advanced testing methods that didn’t pick up on as many cryptosporidiosis cases in 2007. “Cryptosporidiosis – Contaminated Pool Water”
What can you do to protect yourself from cryptosporidiosis?
Be sure the facilities where you swim are kept clean. “Go to places you know have high hygiene standards. What are their processes and policies?”. This is important for everyone, especially those more susceptible to diseases. “People who are immunocompromised need to be vigilant about these things,” Also, be cautious if you’re swimming in a pool where cattle or other animals are nearby since the parasite can be transferred from animals to humans. And anytime you touch cattle, make sure to clean your hands thoroughly.
Other than avoiding pools altogether, that’s pretty much your only option. But you should also do your part by making sure you and your children don’t swim in any community pools after having had diarrhea. “Cryptosporidiosis – Contaminated Pool Water”
Anyone who has had diarrhea during the past few days shouldn’t dive in just yet, as doing so could transmit the illness to someone whose body isn’t well equipped to fight it off.