CDC warns of cryptosporidium outbreaks in pools
Parasite is leading cause of water-related disease cases in U.S.
Outbreaks of “crypto,” a parasite found in swimming pools that causes long-term diarrhea, are increasing, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
The CDC says outbreaks of the summertime parasite increased an average of 13% each year from 2009 to 2017.
Cryptosporidium is spread through the infected fecal matter of humans or animals. The CDC says people have been getting sick after swallowing the parasite in contaminated water or food or after coming into contact with infected people or animals. It is said to be the leading cause of disease outbreaks in the United States linked to water, specifically outbreaks linked to public pools or water playgrounds.
The city of Albuquerque does not specifically test for cryptosporidium at its nine outdoor and four indoor public pools, but a Parks and Recreation Department spokesman said staffers take extra measures to keep the water clean. In the aftermath of the cryptosporidium outbreak news, the city performed a chlorine “shock” at each of its pools. It also tests the chlorine and pH levels every hour and does more comprehensive tests at opening and closing every day. Patrons are required to shower before entering the pool, and posted signs prohibit swimming within two weeks of having diarrhea.
Spokesman Philip Clelland said that cryptosporidium “doesn’t survive well under high-UV conditions” and that the indoor pools all have an ultraviolet system that kills most bacteria. According to the CDC report:
35% of outbreaks were linked to treated swimming water in places such as pools or water playgrounds.
13% were linked to contact with infected people in child care settings.
15% were linked to contact with cattle, and 3% to drinking raw milk or apple cider.
Young children are particularly susceptible to spreading the disease and experiencing severe symptoms, said registered nurse Michele Hlavsa, chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Program.
“They don’t know how to use the toilet and wash their hands, or are just learning how,” she said. “But we, as parents, can take steps to help keep our kids healthy in the water, around animals, and in child care.”
The concern with crypto, according to the CDC, is that it’s tough to kill. It can survive for days in chlorinated water in pools and water playgrounds, and even on surfaces disinfected with chlorine bleach. Someone sick with crypto can have diarrhea for up to three weeks.
Outbreaks of crypto are most common in the summer, the report says, and anyone with diarrhea should not swim or enter public pools or playgrounds. Children sick with diarrhea should stay at home and away from child care facilities.