A hardy parasite has led federal health officials to warn pool goers to be careful in the water this summer.
Outbreaks related to pools, hot tubs and other recreational uses of water can be dangerous, and according to government report, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 90 outbreaks between 2011 to 2012 resulted in 1,788 illnesses, 95 hospitalizations and one death.
A major cause of the outbreaks in treated water, including hot tubs and pools, is a parasite called Cryptosporidium, which causes acute gastrointestinal issues.
Michele Hlavsa, chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Program, said the parasite is particularity troubling. “With these outbreaks, we see they disproportionately affect young children, and they’re the ones like to go to a pool.”
The parasite can be cleared from the body in about two to three weeks, Hlavasa said, but in a person with a weakened immune system the condition may become chronic or even fatal.
Because of gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, “you’re losing so much and your body isn’t able to absorb nutrients,” Hlavasa said.
To stay safe, pool owners need to insure that their pool water is properly treated.
“If you’re worried about the restaurant’s water, it’s the same thing with pools… you’re putting your body in that water,” Hlavasa said.
More information on Crypto can be found at here.