Keep Swimming Pools Safe for Exercise and Play
May 14, 2008 - DENVER - As private and public swimming pools
begin to open for summer, it is important to practice
healthy swimming behaviors to help prevent recreational
water illnesses from germs such as Cryptosporidium
(“Crypto”). Crypto is diarrheal disease caused by a
chlorine-resistant parasite, and is primarily associated
with treated recreational water venues, such as swimming
pools and water parks.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
reported there were 216 cases of Crypto in the state in
2007, nearly a fourfold increase from the 50-60 cases
reported each year from 2000 to 2006. Cases were reported
from throughout the state.
“Neighboring states, such as Utah, had an even larger
increase, with more than 1,900 cases last year. Utah had so
many recreational water illnesses last year that many pools
were closed to small children,” said Alicia Cronquist,
epidemiologist at the Department of Public Health and
Environment. “We want to avoid that in Colorado.
Cronquist said it is important for everyone to do his or her
part to prevent recreational water illnesses. Germs on and
in swimmers’ bodies end up in the water and can make other
people sick. Even healthy swimmers can get sick, but the
young, elderly, pregnant women and people with suppressed
immune systems are especially at risk. Specific actions
people should take to promote healthy swimming include
- not swimming when you have diarrhea;
- not swallowing pool water or getting pool water in your
mouth;
- showering before swimming (children too!);
- washing your hands after using the toilet or changing
diapers;
- taking children on bathroom breaks or changing diapers
often;
- changing children’s diapers in a bathroom, not at
poolside.
Recreational water venues are important sites for exercise
and leisure. To make this summer a healthy swimming
experience, swimmers are urged to continue to enjoy
swimming, but only after adopting these healthy swimming
behaviors to reduce the risk of recreational water
illnesses.
For more information about recreational water illness
prevention and healthy swimming, visit
www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming .
|
