Bug spreads from pool to playground

A bug which causes diarrhoea and nausea has hit early childcare centres in Blenheim.

The microscopic germ, which causes cryptosporidiosis, is believed to have infected swimmers at the aquatic centre at Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 in Blenheim last month, although testing of the pool came back clean.

Seven swimmers were diagnosed with the bug while the pools were closed, tested and treated for a week from June 22.

The pools were given the allclear and are open, but a further 20 people who swam at the pool before it closed have now been confirmed as having contracted the bug – spreading it to another seven people.

The Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service has confirmed that a number of early childcare centres in Blenheim have been hit by the bug.

Medical officer of health Dr Andrew Lindsay said he expected cases associated with the pool to decline, but the bug seemed to be lingering and could continue to spread.

‘‘Now we are seeing further spread among families and those working or attending early childcare centres,’’ he said.

The Public Health Service was speaking directly to early childcare centres in an attempt to contain the bug, which meant reminding staff to be vigilant about hygiene.

Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis could include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, lack of appetite, and a fever, though some people would have no symptoms. It was often spread by hands contaminated with faeces during toilet use or nappy changing.

People should avoid infection by washing and drying hands after using the toilet, changing nappies and before preparing or eating food, Lindsay said.

‘‘Anyone who has been ill with diarrhoea or a tummy upset [should] avoid public swimming pools for at least two weeks from the time they start to recover.’’

Most people with healthy immune systems would recover without treatment after a month and should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

However, parents of babies with severe diarrhoea should seek medical advice.

Health officials said people concerned about cryptosporidiosis should contact their GP, the afterhours clinic, or get advice from Healthline on 0800 611 116.