According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were more instances of recreational water illness (RWI) in 2007 than ever recorded in the past and the Agency believes these numbers will only increase in the future.
Recreational water illnesses are spread through breathing, ingestion or contact with pathogens found in bodies of water like swimming pools, rivers, lakes, or oceans.
Centers for Disease Control Epidemiologist Michele Hlavsa said in a recent Agency press release that, “The leading cause of RWI outbreaks is Cryptosporidium or Crypto, a chlorine-resistant parasite, primarily associated with treated swimming places, such as pools and water parks. This RWI has been a public health issue in the past and will likely pose an even bigger challenge in the future.”
Cryptosporidium Outbreaks
The number of reported Crypto cases tripled between the years of 2004 and 2007. Those outbreaks linked to recreational swimming pools more than doubled. Since the Cryptosporidium parasite is resistant to chorine, even properly maintained pools can harbor the pest.
Cryptosporidium Symptoms
Crypto generally begins to show itself in two to ten days after an infection occurs from the parasite. Symptoms can include:
- Watery diarrhea lasting one to three weeks
- Severe stomach cramps or pain
- Dehydration
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Weight loss
Spread of Crypto
Cryptosporidium is spread through contact with fecal material; it is not spread by communication with blood. Some people will display no symptoms from a Crypto infection and those with healthy immune systems will recover without further treatment. Those persons with compromised immune systems like AIDS patients or having other severe illnesses are at greater risk of harm from a Cryptosporidium infection.
There is extensive information posted online by the CDC that relates to healthy swimming sites and facts known about Cryptosporidium. The Environmental Protection Agency maintains a website that provides safety information on public beaches. Good hygiene is first defense against a Crypto infection.
Cryptosporidium Infection Prevention
There are a number of actions that can be taken to prevent or reduce Crypto infections recommended by the CDC:
Good Hygiene
- Wash hands with soap and water frequently
- Wash hands after using the toilet and before handling food products or eating
- Wash hands after changing diapers
- Avoid swimming if experiencing diarrhea. Children in diapers are a special risk
Avoid Contaminated Water
- Do not swallow water found in recreational swimming sites
- Avoid drinking untreated surface water from lakes or streams, or water from shallow wells
- Stay aware of any boil water advisories issued by public health authorities
- Avoid drinking untreated water or ice made with untreated water while traveling
- Treat suspect water with a filter that has a pore size of less than one micron or heat the water to a rolling boil for one minute
- Chemical treatments will not eliminate Crypto cysts
Avoid Contaminated Food
- Use safe, clean water to wash food stuffs
- After washing fruits or vegetables in safe water, peel them before eating raw
- Avoid uncooked foods in countries that exercise poor water treatment or food sanitation
- Monitor the traveler's section of the CDC website for health care warnings.
Alan Sorum - Alan Sorum is the Maritime Operations Project Manager for the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC). Alan is ...
