The CDC has issued a warning to everyone using swimming in pools or hot tubs.
A newly released report warns pool users of a hardy parasite, reports KTVU.
The report released on Friday, by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has found that a parasite connected to pools, hot tubs as well as other water uses caused 90 outbreaks in 2011 and 2012. Those outbreaks resulted in 1,788 illnesses, 95 hospitalizations and one death. The CDC warns that those using pools and hot tubs need to be cautious.
The major cause of these breakouts is a parasite known Cryptosporidium. The parasite is encased in a hard shell and causes stomach issues such as diarrhea. The parasite is capable of living over a week in treated water.
“It can survive for 10 days,” said Michele Hlavasa, the chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Program. “With these outbreaks, we see they disproportionately affect young children. They’re the ones who can go to a pool and young children tend to carry lots of germs.”
Hlavasa says that it takes two to three weeks for the parasite to clear the body. For people with weak immune systems the condition can be chronic or even fatal. Treatment for Cryptosporidium is symptomatic, drink plenty of fluids for rehydration, and manage pain with over the counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Aleve. If pain is unmanageable seek medical care, reports WCHS TV 8.
Cryptosporidiosis is an acute, short-term infection. It can, however, be more severe in children and people with compromised immune systems. The parasite remains in the lower intestine for one to five weeks.
The stomach issues caused by the parasite can make the body weak.
“You’re losing so much and your body isn’t able to absorb nutrients,” Hlavasa said.
The following groups have the most elevated risk of being exposed to Cryptosporidium: people who regularly use pools that are not properly sanitized, child care workers, parents of infected children and hikers and campers who drink unfiltered water. People who have contact with infected cows and human feces are also at risk.
Pool users should check for their pool’s most recent inspection report through the areas local health department. Or users can buy their own chlorine tests that will tell you if the pool is properly treated.
“If you’re worried about the restaurant’s [ratings]… it’s the same thing with pools you’re putting your body in that water,” Hlavasa said.
[Photo via Wikipedia Commons]
CDC Warns Of Swimming Pool And Hot Tub Parasite Outbreak is an article from: The Inquisitr News
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